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 Rings: Middle-Earth 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.