Success for LotRO!
Turbine and Midway Games announced today that Lord of the Rings Online is officially the Number 1 best selling PC title in North America and Europe currently. LotRO outsold all other PC games in the US, Canada, Germany, UK and France according to Chart-Track, NPD, GfK, and Media Conrol (industry sales tabulation companies in their respective nations). The sales are probably due to the game being well received by critics around the world.
Even the The New York Times has hopped on the MMO bandwagon saying LotRO is "a major achievement of interactive storytelling, the first game truly worthy of the 'Lord of the Rings' franchise and a must-play for just about anyone with an interest in Tolkien or the future of online entertainment." The Lord of the Rings Online is filled with life and overflowing with familiar faces of the people we have grown to love from J.R.R. Tokens' novels. It shows us Middle Earth in a new exciting way while keeping the familiarity of the shire in our hearts. LotRO reminds the player every moment that sacrifice is the key to survival from when we fight the Witch-King to when we explore the jagged rocks of Thorins Gate.
Those who have developed the product are extremely proud saying "This outstanding start sets the stage for a bright future," said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "This is only the beginning as we embark on an incredible journey with our players to expand the world of Middle-earth with the release of regular content updates."
"Following the most successful North American pre-order program in Midway's history, The Lord of the Rings Online is off to a great start," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "As the positive reports and reviews continue to come in, gamers are settling into the game and experiencing Middle-earth as never before."
"The fabulous response from consumers and the media has been overwhelming," said David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online Gaming. "It's been a great launch, but it's only the beginning for us. We look forward to rapid growth and welcoming thousands more to Middle-earth!" A true and rare success in the MMO world.