Don't get too excited, it's not a locally hosted Australian server, but NCSoft have let us know that due to popular demand, their hotly anticipated MMORPG Aion will have an Oceanic region server named Nezekan available at launch.

For those not familiar with MMOs, this means that the Nezekan server while still physically hosted in North America is intended for Australian and New Zealand players to inhabit, where in-game events will be run at times more suited to Australia's local timezone.

Players who have pre-ordered Aion will be treated to a Pre-Select and a two-day Head Start period giving them the opportunity to explore, organise and progress through the game prior to the official launch. Pre-Select in Australia will take place on 19th September from 5am, while Aion's Head Start will begin 21st September at 5am. Players can still participate in Aion's Pre-Select and Head Start programs by preordering the game both online or in store at EB Games and GAME. If players are not sure whether or they are eligible, they can simply log in to their NCsoft Master Account to verify that their game account is listed and their account type is not designated as "Beta".

Eligible players will be able to start their game clients and log in to create a total of two characters ahead of everyone else. You can name and create these two characters through the standard character creator and be ready to play with these characters right when the game Head Start Program begins (but not beforehand). Preselection will end 2am September 21st 2009.

For more details on Aion, stop by our early preview and stay tuned to AusGamers for a full review shortly after release.