Codemasters strengthens relationship with Turbine Inc

Codemasters Online Gaming has extended its relationship with developer Turbine Inc, signing a new agreement to bring massively multiplayer online game Lord of the Rings Online to Europe this year.

Currently in development at Turbine's Westwood studios, Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is the first and only MMO game based on the renowned literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Under the terms of the agreement, Codemasters Online Gaming will publish, operate and support the title in Europe, with language support in English, French and German.

Codemasters CEO Rod Cousens commented: "The Lord of the Rings is one the most suited literary pieces of fantasy to translate into a rich and rewarding MMORPG experience and it is immensely pleasing to be extending our relationship with Turbine, Inc to bring its superbly crafted work to Europe."

Codemasters' recently formed online gaming division is rapidly making its presence known in the hugely popular online gaming sector, securing European publishing and operational licenses for several hugely popular MMOs, such as Korean publisher CCR's RF Online, which the company is also publishing and supporting in North America.

Turbine's relationship with the fledgling online division began with the announcement that Codemasters will be the online service provider (providing hosting, community management, technical support and billing) for Dungeons and Dragons Online: Stormreach in Europe.

Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine Inc., added: "Through the last year we have established a close working relationship with Codemasters and have been impressed with its commitment and expertise in the online gaming space. We are delighted to partner further with the company to deliver The Lord of the Rings Online experience throughout Europe."

Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is currently in development, and is scheduled for release later this year.