Lord of the Rings Online gets new developer, Daybreak becomes publisher

The development team behind Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online have left Turbine, taking the games with them.

Both titles will now be looked after by new indie studio Standing Stone Games. Furthermore, it has partnered up with Daybreak Games (formerly Sony Online Entertainment) which will act as publishing partner.

They’ve had a long, successful history developing and publishing MMOs, and we’re happy to lean on their expertise,” a note on LOTRO’s website said of Daybreak, adding: We’re embarking on an exciting adventure as Standing Stone Games, a newly-independent studio staffed by people who have been working on DDO and LOTRO for many years.

The teams remain very much committed to both games and are thrilled to continue development and operations of these games as an independent studio. This is an opportunity for us to bring about our dreams while still working on two of the biggest licenses in video games. It’s a huge honor, and for you this means your games will continue to grow and improve.

Although a great many exciting things are happening on our end, you’ll be able to continue playing the games you enjoy with as little interruption as possible. Our development continues on track, and the plans we have already announced remain firmly in our future view.”