LotRO: Mines of Moria Social Website Launched

Turbine and Codemasters sent out a press release this afternoon announcing a new social gaming website designed to introduce players to the upcoming The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria expansion pack.

TURBINE AND CODEMASTERS INVITES PLAYERS TO UNLOCK THE MINES OF MORIA!

New Social Gaming Web Site Introducing the Highly Anticipated Expansion to The Lord of the Rings Onlineâ„¢ Launches Today!

WESTWOOD, MA March 31, 2008 – Turbine, Inc. and Codemasters Online today announced the launch of an innovative new social gaming web site introducing The Lord of the Rings Onlineâ„¢: Mines of Moriaâ„¢, the first expansion to the 2007 PC Game of the Year*. Players across North America and Europe are invited to begin their journey to Moria by visiting www.unlocktheminesofmoria.com to get up-to-date information about Volume II of The Lord of the Rings Onlineâ„¢. Players will discover the secrets of Moria with several fun, interactive mini-games inspired by the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien. Registered participants can challenge themselves and their friends to earn special deeds that unlock unique rewards including exclusive videos, images, and in-game items that will aid them on their journey into Moria this fall.

(The ‘˜Unlock the Mines of Moria’ campaign is part of an innovative launch strategy that offers players an interactive social gaming destination where they can individually and collectively delve into the first major expansion to The Lord of the Rings Online,) said Jim Crowley, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. (Whether you are new to the world of Middle-earth or a long time member of our community, we invite everyone to explore and share the wonders of Moria.)

King Under the Mountain, launching today, is the first of many mini-games where players from around the world can interact as they commence their quest into Moria. The mini-game is based on the story of the excavation and building of Khazad-Dûm, the Dwarven capital and grandest of cities. The game finds its origin from an old Dwarven game containing items that Dwarves love most caverns, gems and fighting. Players who register at http://www.unlocktheminesofmoria.com can play solo or battle against friends in this highly entertaining tactical strategy mini-game. Visitors do not need to be subscribers to The Lord of the Rings Online to register.

The Lord of the Rings Online is the award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game, (MMORPG) that delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to the great underground realm of Moria, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. The Lord of the Rings Online is available for purchase at major retailers across North America and Europe. For more information, please visit www.lotro.com.

About Turbine
Turbine, Inc. is the premier creator and operator of massive, persistent online worlds that foster powerful social gaming communities. Turbine has grown to become one of the largest privately-held online gaming studios in North America. Turbine has created some of the world’s most popular and award-winning online games, including The Lord of the Rings Onlineâ„¢: Shadows of Angmarâ„¢, Dungeons & Dragons Online® and Asheron’s Call®. For more information on Turbine, its products and services please visit www.turbine.com.

About Codemasters
Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience on current and future gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company’s dominant brands include Colin McRae Rally, TOCA Race Driver, LMA Manager, Brian Lara Cricket and Operation Flashpoint. The company is headquartered in Southam, Warwickshire UK and maintains operations in the US, Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. More information about the company and its products is available online at www.codemasters.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, stage productions 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.