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Codemasters Online has announced the launch of free-to-play Lord of the Rings Online in Europe.
Players can now download Lord of the Rings Online and join other adventurers as they explore Middle-earth and progress up to level 50 for free.
Players can also choose to visit the new LOTRO Store to purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services à la carte, or join the VIP program that provides unlimited access to the game for a monthly price.
The game has also been expanded with the introduction of the new region of Enedwaith.
“We are thrilled to finally be able to launch LOTRO as a free-to-play game and introduce the new store and updated content in Europe today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our players for their patience. It is very much appreciated,” said David Solari, vice president and general manager of Codemasters Online. “We anticipate the LOTRO’s new free-to-play model will significantly increase our customer base and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Middle-earth.”
Lord of the Rings Online can be downloaded for free from lotro.com.
Free-to-play is fast becoming the go-to method for turning a flagging MMO into a successful game. Turbine’s Dungeons & Dragons Online was rejuvenated by the appeal of free play back in autumn 2009, attracting one million players and recording a 500 per cent boost in revenues.
There’s no reason Lord of the Rings Online can’t match or better the success of D&D.
