Description: |
Early Information
An MMORPG based on J.R.R Tolkien's Middle Earth novels. The completion of Middle Earth seems to be in danger due to legal problems between MM3D and Sierra. MM3D had sued Sierra in early 2001, withdrawn the law suit and refiled it again in a matter of weeks. Outcome: Unclear (as of end of June, 2001).
Update
Freshly announced by VUG only in 9/2002 - developer said to be Turbine Entertainment in 12/2002
Press Release from 05/09/2003
VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES REVEALS MIDDLE-EARTH ONLINE DETAILS AND SIGNS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH TURBINE ENTERTAINMENT
LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 9, 2003 Vivendi Universal Games, Inc. (VU Games) announced today that it has entered into a production agreement with Turbine Entertainment Software Corp. to develop "Middle-Earth Online," a massively multiplayer (MMP) game to launch in 2004. The game will be developed as part of VU Games' long-term agreement with Tolkien Enterprises to create interactive entertainment based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic novel "The Lord of the Rings."
The 3D role-playing game (RPG) will immerse players in the Middle-earth world where they will choose their identities from a cast of archetypal Tolkien characters, form kinships, build race-specific dwellings, explore the landscape, craft unique items and weapons, and perform myriad other activities to bring the world-renowned fantasy realm to life.
"We are extremely excited to be working with a world-class developer like Turbine. Their track record and proven expertise in building, launching, and supporting massively multiplayer games is exceptional, making them the right partner for a franchise as beloved and well-known as J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings,'" said Jim Wilson, EVP Product Development, Vivendi Universal Games. "Together, our goal will be to bring the vision and spirit of the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien to life in 'Middle-Earth Online.'"
More information about "Middle-Earth Online" can be found at http://www.lordoftherings.com/meo.
Facts & Features:
From the far corners of Middle-earth, new adventurers come forth to face the growing evil in the East. The forces of Mordor are mobilizing as the Nazgül hunt for the One Ring. The land itself is now in peril and its fate lies in the hands of those who possess it.
Adventuring alone or in groups, join thousands of players online in the massive world that is Middle-earth. Support the forces of good in an epic struggle to drive back the forces of Sauron.
This is Middle-Earth Online, your home in the world of Tolkien.
- Personalized character advancement system including Elves, Humans, Hobbits, Dwarves and more.
Dynamic character alignment system allows the player to design a unique individual from a variety of faces, hairstyles, clothing, armor and more.
- Through game advancement, players can purchase customizable race-specific dwellings.
- Ally with other players to form Fellowships and wage war against the dark lord Sauron.
- Unique storyline expands the Fellowship's quest and takes players to the far corners of Middle-earth.
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