The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™ Storms Europe

Tuesday, 24th April (10am) Codemasters Online Gaming and Turbine, Inc. announced today that The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is now available for purchase across Europe. The game is the first and only massively-multiplayer online game based on the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien. In development by Turbine for over four years, the game opens up the mystical world of Middle-earth and creates the opportunity for endless adventure.

Legions of fans have been waiting in great anticipation for the opportunity to start their adventure in Middle-earth and as of today, the wait is over! The Lord of the Rings Online 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 quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before.

David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online Gaming said, "It's great that the many, many fans of this incredible game can begin their heroic adventures through Middle-earth. The response so far has been nothing short of stunning and we're hugely excited about launching this unique game and look forward to it having a profound effect in the market."

"The release of The Lord of the Rings Online marks a momentous occasion for MMO gamers and Tolkien fans around the world," said Jeff Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "Countless adventures await gamers eager to experience Middle-earth in an entirely new way and we're confident that once they've visited this epic world, they'll never want to leave."

The Lord of the Rings Online is now available for purchase at major retailers across Europe in a Special, Collector's and Standard Editions. The Special Edition of The Lord of the Rings Online includes the full game client, 45-days of free play, the official 'Making of The Lord of the Rings Online' DVD, a 7 day buddy client and an in-game item, RRP £49.99 / 69.99. The Collector's Edition pack includes all items listed in the Special Edition plus the contents are encased in a unique numbered Collector's Edition box. This unique offering comes with a full lifetime subscription to The Lord of the Rings Online presented on a lifetime membership certificate, a parchment letter from Turbine and an exclusive in-game item, RRP is £179.99 / 249.99, while the Standard Edition of the game is available for £34.99 / 49.99.

For more information about The Lord of the Rings Online, please visit www.lotro-europe.com

UK PRESS INFORMATION

Codemasters 01926 814 132

Erica Hutton erica.hutton@codemasters.com

www.codemasters.com/mediabank

PRESS RESOURCE WEB SITE

Download game artwork, screens and essential Codemasters' press materials direct to your desktop from: http://www.codemasters.com/mediabank

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 TURBINE, INC.

Turbine, Inc. is a premier developer, publisher and operator of online entertainment and is headquartered in Westwood, Massachusetts. The company is one of the largest privately-held online games companies in North America. Turbine's catalogue includes some of the most famous online entertainment brands, including Asheron's Call®, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE: Stormreach, and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. For more information on Turbine, its products and 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.

"The Lord of the Rings Online," "Shadows of Angmar," "Middle-earth," The Watcher logo, "The Lord of the Rings" and the names of the characters, events, items and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under license to Turbine, Inc. Codemasters is a registered trademark owned by The Codemasters Software Company Limited and the Codemasters Online Gaming logo is a trademark owned by The Codemasters Software Company Limited. Turbine and the Turbine logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Turbine, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.