Lord of the Rings Online triples monthly revenue

On September 10, Turbine swapped out the $15-a-month price model for its massively multiplayer online role-playing game Lord of the Rings Online in favor of a free-to-play model supported by in-game microtransactions. Now, the developer has revealed that the decision to do so has been a lucrative one.

During a recent Ten Ton Hammer Live podcast, Turbine's Adam Mersky and Kate Paiz revealed that Lord of the Rings Online is performing more successfully under the new business model. According to the developer, the J.R.R. Tolkien-inspired MMORPG has tripled its revenue since venturing to the free-to-play sector.

Lord of the Rings Online is set to grow even further this year when its latest expansion, Rise of Isengard, is released. It follows the Mines of Moria and Siege of Mirkwood expansions, which debuted in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

The content will be available exclusively for purchase through the Lord of the Rings Online virtual marketplace. However, its price has not been announced by developer/publisher Turbine or copublisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

The Rise of Isengard expansion will contain three zones: Dunland, the Gap of Rohan, and the famed Isengard, complete with Orthanc, the iconic tower where the traitorous Saruman dwells. Journeying through these zones, players can work toward the new level cap of 70.

For more on Lord of the Rings Online, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.