The Lord of the Rings Online Receives a Subtitle

Turbine, Inc. has issued a press release announcing their new vision behind The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.
TURBINE UNVEILS NEW VISION TO THE CREATION OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINEâ„¢: SHADOWS OF ANGMARâ„¢

WESTWOOD, Mass. -- May 10, 2005 -- Turbine, Inc., a leading publisher of online subscription entertainment, announced today that it has revealed the first details about The Lord of the Rings Onlineâ„¢: Shadows of Angmarâ„¢, the first and only massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) based on the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar will allow players to forge heroic legacies in the War for Middle-Earth. Gamers will experience an evolving persistent recreation of Tolkien's world-renowned fantasy realm where they can establish their unique reputations, and discover and wield legendary weapons in strategic battles, while adventuring solo or in Fellowships. The game and service are expected to launch in 2006.

"Turbine is thrilled to collaborate with Tolkien Enterprises to bring a compelling, authentic, world-class MMORPG to an audience that spans several generations and includes legions of devoted fans around the world," said Vijay Lakshman, vice president of production, Turbine, Inc. "We have engaged some of our finest creative and technical teams to deliver rich and diverse gameplay to online enthusiasts and fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's astounding and beloved world."

To coincide with the new game's announcement, Turbine has launched a new web site for The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar at http://lotro.turbine.com. Visitors can join the rapidly growing community to interact with the developers, get detailed information and get ongoing first looks at exclusive content from the game.

In addition, Turbine will present The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar at the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo May 18-20 in Los Angeles. Visitors are welcome to stop by Turbine's booth, #2666, to see the game in development and meet some of the team behind this highly anticipated title.

Formerly under development as The Lord of the Ringsâ„¢: Middle-Earthâ„¢ Online, The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar will be the first product and service resulting from Turbine's new relationship with Tolkien Enterprises. Under the agreement, Turbine has exclusive world-wide rights to develop and publish all massively multiplayer online role playing games based on J.R.R. Tolkien's world-renowned literary works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

About Turbine, Inc.

Turbine, Inc. is a premier producer, publisher and operator of online subscription entertainment and is headquartered in Westwood, Mass. With studios on two coasts, the company is the largest privately-held online games company in North America. Turbine's catalogue includes some of the most famous online entertainment brands, including Asheron's Call®, Dungeons & Dragons® Online: Stormreach and The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™. For more information on Turbine and its services, please visit www.turbine.com.

About Tolkien Enterprises

The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises is the holder of worldwide motion picture, legitimate stage, merchandising, and other rights in J.R.R. Tolkien's literary works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Tolkien Enterprises has been producing and licensing films and merchandise based on Tolkien's works for almost 30 years. Its headquarters are in Berkeley, California, and its website may be found at www.tolkien-ent.com.