Sierra On-Line first announced the development of a licensed Middle-earth MMORPG in 1998. Sierra had financial troubles in 1999 and replaced the staff working on the game. Sierra continued to confirm development of the MMORPG but did not release any development details.
Vivendi Universal Games, the parent company of Sierra, secured eight-year rights to produce computer and video games based on The Lord of the Rings books in 2001. Vivendi announced an agreement with Turbine in 2003 to produce Middle-earth Online (at that time expected to be released in 2004). In March 2005, Turbine announced that it bought the rights to make an MMORPG based on Tolkien's literature and that Turbine would publish The Lord of the Rings Online instead of Vivendi.
A closed beta was announced on September 8, 2006. An open beta began on March 30, 2007, and was open to all who pre-ordered the game's Founders Club edition. On April 6, 2007, the beta opened to the public.
Mines of Moria Expansion
Main article: The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria
On March 14, 2008, Turbine announced the first commercial expansion. This expansion will, in addition to adding new areas set in Moria, add two new classes and leveling items.
The three areas to be added will focus around Moria, but will also touch L¨®rien (Lothl¨®rien) and Eregion (Hollin). Turbine announced that Books 13 and 14 would be released before Mines of Moria, and Book 14 would be the climax of the storyline. Mines of Moria would include the first four books of a new storyline centering in Moria.
In addition to the new classes Warden and Rune-Keeper, the level cap will be raised to 60. Turbine promised that the increase in the games level cap by 20% will affect crafting, raids, PvMP, and everything else.
According to Turbine, the Mines of Moria will be one of the greatest environments of any RPG yet. Creatures will use the environment to their advantage, such as sneaking through dark water or jumping out of the shadows. Parts of the mines will change to reflect your progress.
The two best-known creatures connected with Moria, The Watcher in the Water and Durin's Bane will both be encountered within those four books. You will not be able to teleport throughout the mines, causing you to feel trapped. Turbine promised that if you remain in the mines for a long time, when it becomes time to emerge into L¨®rien there will be a very exciting moment.
After the introduction of the hobby system in Book 13 with fishing, Turbine is expected to extend the amount of hobbies available in the Mines of Moria expansion.
The official presention on Books 13, 14, and Mines of Moria can be found at: Part one: Part 2: Part 3: