Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces that Turbine’s LOTRO will adopt the free-to-play model, following a major update this fall. The game will be free to download and play, with the new LOTRO Store offering expansion packs, additional character slots, potions, character customization and more for those willing to pay. If this sounds interesting to you, head over to www.LOTRO.com to sign up for the beta program of this update, which begins June 16.
"Turbine's Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited was the
world's first truly premium free-to-play online game that ushered in a new
era of choice for online gamers seeking quality entertainment," said Jim
Crowley, President and CEO of Turbine.
"Having successfully taken two titles free-to-play in the past we are very
pleased to be doing the same with The Lord of the Rings Online in Europe,"
said David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters
Online (who run the game in Europe).
Launching in 2007, LOTRO is one of most well-received MMORPGs in recent years. This is great news for gamers who love the online role-playing experience, but hate subscription fees. Sign up for the beta now and look for the full game to be available for free sometime this fall.