Lord of the Rings Online to Go Free

Lord of the Rings Online - HobbitonWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today the their massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) will be changing it's model this year and going free--no more $15/month plan to siphon our bank accounts dry!  However, a new "pricing model" will be initiated that provides players with the ability to purchase "expansions, quest packs, items, and account services a la carte". Here's what they sent over via email:

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that Turbine will unveil a major update to The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) making the game free-to-play for everyone! 

The update will launch this fall across North America and Europe (with Codemasters operating the game free-to-play in Europe) and will introduce Turbine’s innovative new pricing model to the game, as well as extending the award-winning story. Players interested in getting a sneak peak can sign up for a chance to participate in the Beta program, which begins June 16th, at www.LOTRO.com.

This approach to the game definitely intrigues me--I'll definitely give it another shot, as I've never been one to commit to a $15/mo plan for a single game.