The Lord of the Rings Online Reaches Alpha

Turbine issued a press release earlier today announcing that The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar has entered the alpha phase of development.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINEâ„¢: SHADOWS OF ANGMARâ„¢ REACHES ALPHA

Over 125,000 Players Registered for Upcoming Beta Program

WESTWOOD, MA AUGUST 3, 2006 Turbine, Inc. announced today that the highly-anticipated The Lord of the Rings Onlineâ„¢: Shadows of Angmarâ„¢ has entered the alpha phase of development. 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 Onlineâ„¢ will allow players to explore Middle-earthâ„¢, the most famous fantasy world of all time. The company also announced that over 125,000 fans have already signed up for the Beta Program.

(Turbine is committed to delivering the most immersive and accurate online Tolkien experience possible and today is a major milestone as we realize our vision for this mysterious and exciting world,) said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. (With over 125,000 fans already signed up for the Beta Program we are on pace to be one of the largest beta communities in the industry.)

Since announcing the start of sign-ups for the Beta Program at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in May, over 125,000 people have already registered. In response to increasing demand, Turbine is expanding the Beta Program to let more players participate. Turbine will be inviting tens of thousands of people into the Beta Program over the coming months. Players who wish to be invited should sign-up for a chance to be selected for the Beta Program by visiting http://www.lotro.com/betasignup.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar invites players to join in an epic adventure — exploring a massive online world while defending the lands of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron. Players of all levels will explore incredibly detailed realms and join familiar characters in an evolving and persistent re-creation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved world. They will face the dangers Frodo and the Fellowship left behind when they began their epic journey to destroy the One Ring. Gamers can adventure solo or choose from thousands of players online to forge their own fellowships, as they face the hideous monsters and minions of evil, fight epic battles to defend Middle-earth, and immerse themselves in the greatest adventure of our time.

About Turbine

Turbine, Inc. is a premier developer, publisher and operator of online subscription entertainment and is headquartered in Westwood, Massachusetts. The company is one of 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 ONLINEâ„¢: Stormreachâ„¢, and The Lord of the Rings Onlineâ„¢: Shadows of Angmarâ„¢. 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, 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.