"The Lord of the Rings TCG is one of the most incredible games Decipher has ever created. We are extremely excited about bringing this game to the expanded audience of players on the Internet," said Decipher's Chairman and CEO Warren Holland.

The Lord of the Rings Online Trading Card Game will allow players to purchase randomly assorted card packs, build decks, make trades, and play against a multitude of opponents just like they do with the popular paper version of the game. However, the Internet version will allow players to find opponents worldwide 24 hours a day.

Worlds Apart Productions, has been developing and managing online games for six years. In a previous announcement Decipher said that Worlds Apart will manage all of Decipher¹s online game development. The Lord of the Rings Online Trading Card Game will join the already popular Star Trek Online Customizable Card Game, which launched in May 2001.

"The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game is easily the best TCG on the market today. Its accessibility allows you to learn the game quickly and the depth and sheer fun of the gameplay keeps you coming back for more. I can¹t think of another license-based game that more closely captures the spirit of its source material," said Scott Martins, President, Worlds Apart. "We are quite proud to work with Decipher to bring this game and prestigious property to the Internet."