The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, a massive online multiplayer title based upon the series written by J.R.R. Tolkien, commenced its beta stage in North America yesterday per an announcement made by Turbine and Midway. Likewise, Codemasters Online Gaming is also getting ready to launch its beta testing stage in Europe by opening registration to the public.
"The response to the LOTRO Alpha was overwhelming. Player enthusiasm continues to exceed our expectations at every milestone," said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "The Alpha was oversubscribed and the Beta programme is on a record-setting pace with nearly 200,000 players already registered. LOTRO is building toward one of the largest beta communities in the industry."
Set during the events that follow Frodo’s departure from the shire, The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar will allow players to explore and defend Middle-earth as it was in the Third Age from the Dark Lord Sauron. The game, which is slated for release in Spring 2007, will initially cover the events that take place in the first book of the acclaimed Lord of the Rings series, The Fellowship of the Ring.
