Turbine And Tolkien Enterprises Extend Relationship

Turbine, Inc. announced that in the wake of the global success of The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™, named the 2007 PC Game of the Year*, it has reached an agreement with Tolkien Enterprises to extend it’s license to develop Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMORPG) based on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien to 2014 with additional options to extend the rights until 2017.

“We’re thrilled with the global success of The Lord of the Rings Online since its launch in 2007,” said Jim Crowley, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. “With the recent announcement of what are sure to be two blockbuster films based on The Hobbit and a sequel, we expect the success of the license and our relationship with Tolkien Enterprises to grow for years to come.”

“We have had a wonderful working relationship with Turbine over the past several years,” said Albert M. Bendich, Executive Vice President of The Saul Zaentz Company, and its merchandising division Tolkien Enterprises. “We look forward to our continuing success with Turbine as it pushes the envelope for compelling online entertainment and gameplay to bring the compelling characters of Middle-earth to life for Tolkien fans around the world.”

Area:Rhunendin - LOTRO Lorebook

"When Eärnur and Glorfindel drove the hosts of Angmar from the fallen North-kingdom, they eradicated the Angmarim west of the Misty Mountains. A short time later, however, the ancestors of the Rohirrim pressed northward on the far side of the mountains and drove the remaining Angmarim back into their former realm, though they were now scattered and few. Over the long years, the remnants of Angmar began to multiply and grow strong again, and built towns and villages once more.

Rhunendin is one such town, guarding the western approach to the Witch-king’s former capital of Carn Dûm. The Angmarim remain faithful to their banished lord and serve his Steward, Mordirith, called the False King by the Hill-men who also dwell in Angmar. Rhunendin is a mighty bastion against those who would overthrow Angmar once more.

Rhunendin is a town created by the developers at Turbine for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™. It, like most of Angmar, is only readily accessible by players who have achieved the highest levels in the game."