Free LOTRO and £10 points card for 'LOTRO'

Just in case you didn't already know, The Lord of the Rings Online has now joined the ranks of the free to play MMORPG's and you can technically play without handing over a penny, check out lotro.com if you want more.

Introducing an innovative new pricing model, players will be able to download the game and play for free as well as purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services à la carte from the new LOTRO Store opening on Tuesday 2nd November 2010.

Following Lord Of The Rings Online's free-to-play relaunch earlier this week, Codemasters is giving away five 1000 points cards (valued at around £10) to spend in the game's store, allowing you to purchase additional character slots, potions and expansion packs.

We'll be giving the points away. Follow the instructions at that time to be in with a chance.

Note that this is for UK entrants only and that our decision is final.

The free-to-play version of Lord Of The Rings Online is available from lotro-europe.com.

Codemasters Online has announced the launch of free-to-play Lord of the Rings Online in Europe.

Players can now download Lord of the Rings Online and join other adventurers as they explore Middle-earth and progress up to level 50 for free.

Players can also choose to visit the new LOTRO Store to purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services à la carte, or join the VIP program that provides unlimited access to the game for a monthly price.

The game has also been expanded with the introduction of the new region of Enedwaith.

"We are thrilled to finally be able to launch LOTRO as a free-to-play game and introduce the new store and updated content in Europe today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our players for their patience. It is very much appreciated," said David Solari, vice president and general manager of Codemasters Online. "We anticipate the LOTRO's new free-to-play model will significantly increase our customer base and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Middle-earth."

Lord of the Rings Online can be downloaded for free from lotro.com.

Free-to-play is fast becoming the go-to method for turning a flagging MMO into a successful game. Turbine's Dungeons & Dragons Online was rejuvenated by the appeal of free play back in autumn 2009, attracting one million players and recording a 500 per cent boost in revenues.

There's no reason Lord of the Rings Online can't match or better the success of D&D.