It is always nice to have the same birthday as a friend and as TORn turned 11, Lord of the Rings Online is celebrating its third anniversary. The massive multiplayer online role playing game opens Middle-earth to virtual exploration and social gaming. (They even properly call it “Middle-earth” not “Middle Earth” so yeah!). Jim Crowley, President and CEO of Turbine, Inc. says in a press release that the player base is up 15% this year.

Turbine is masterful as updating content and continues to open more Middle-earth to players. The game is celebrating through June 30 with incentives and gift. Read more below.

TURBINE CELEBRATES THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF the launch of THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™

WESTWOOD, MA – April 26, 2010 – Turbine, Inc. announced today the start of the celebration of the third anniversary of The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO), the award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game. The LOTRO Anniversary celebration will run from April 26, 2010 to June 30, 2010.

“It’s been another incredible year of growth for LOTRO and Turbine highlighted by critical and consumer acclaim,” said Jim Crowley, President and CEO of Turbine, Inc. “Since its launch, LOTRO has consistently been named Game of the Year by leading MMORPG sites and the overwhelmingly positive response to the game from millions of players who have adventured in Middle-earth has firmly cemented the game as one of the world’s premier online entertainment experiences. The game’s player base grew over 15% over the past year and our anniversary is a chance for us to celebrate with our past and present players to enjoy everything that is special about Middle-earth and thank them for their wonderful support with some special subscription options.”

The Lord of the Rings Online Third Anniversary Celebration includes:

Ø Play for $9.99 a month!: The party never has to end! During LOTRO’s Third Anniversary Celebration (April 26th to June 30th), you can get any 3, 6, or 12 month subscription plan and play LOTRO for only $9.99 per month!

Ø In-Game Celebration:

o During the anniversary celebration, monsters throughout Middle-earth will drop rare and precious gifts when defeated. Players can exchange these items for a special gift box brimming with a variety of in-game items to aid them on their adventures in Middle-earth.

o Turbine is also giving new, current and former players who log in to the game during the LOTRO Third Anniversary Celebration (April 24th through June 30th), a special in-game gift — the Writ of Virtue, a passive skill that provides 20% discounts at Bards throughout Middle-earth

The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate interactive adventure. This award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy of all time. From the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to Moria, the most fearsome underground realm ever imagined, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. For more information or to download a free trial, visit www.lotro.com.