On April 24, 2007, The Lord of the Rings Online opened its doors. Four years later, not only is LOTRO stronger than ever, but still growing!

I still remember logging in on day one to form a Kinship with friends, joining folks in the trek across the Midgewater Marshes to the deadly outskirts of the Lone-lands. Much has changed since that time, so in honor of the event I thought I’d highlight a few “oldies but goodies” from previous patch notes.

(2007) Deep in the northern regions of the Misty Mountains lies Helegrod, the location of LOTRO's first 24 person raid!

(2007) Play as a Troll, Ranger or Chicken!

(2009) In an effort to retain business the vendors have now learned to sell stackable items in quantities other than "one" and "a full stack" in order to better serve you!

(2010) There are now a total of 12 spaces (two Small Fellowships, six Fellowships, three 12-Person Raids, and one 24-Person Raid) that have been upgraded with level scaling technology and will scale from their initial access level all the way to cap.

LOTRO has evolved through the years – from early days of raiding Helegrod’s enormous wings, to the tightly paced and challenging encounters of Ost Dunhoth. What was your favorite moment?

The LOTRO team has a lot planned for 2011. In March we released Update 2, with entirely new high-level instances and a continuation of the Volume III Epic Story. As Kate Paiz noted in her Producer Letter, in late May we’ll be releasing Update 3 which includes new instances and skirmishes. Can you survive the deadly traps of The Inn of the Forsaken, or the horrors of the Halls of Night? Test your skirmishing skills in Dol Dinen during an Attack at Dawn and brave the bone-chilling winds of the Icy Crevasse.

Coming this fall, we invite you to journey to Orthanc in the Rise of Isengard expansion – with a 10-level increase to the level cap (from 65 up to 75). Journey across the regions of Dunland, Gap of Rohan and Isengard. Challenge a dragon in the new 24 person raid! We’ll have more details soon about this upcoming expansion.

As a producer, I’ve had the honor to attend gamer events and conventions in Europe over the last few years – such as gamescom. From personal experience, it’s clear that LOTRO’s European players are among the most passionate in the world. This summer I am thrilled to unite our North American and European communities as Turbine takes operational control of LOTRO’s European service. LOTRO’s fans are a truly international community, among the largest Tolkien fan communities in the world.

There has rarely been a busier time in LOTRO’s history, or a better time to play the game. Here’s to our continuing vision of an authentic, living Middle-earth. Thanks to all of the players who believe so strongly in the game, and continue to enjoy that world every day.

Onward to Isengard!

Aaron “Rowan” Campbell