Rise of Isengard breaks records

In January, Lord of the Rings Online developer Turbine announced that since the massively multiplayer online role-playing game had switched to a free-to-play business model revenue tripled. Now the good news continues for Turbine, as the developer today released the Rise of Isengard expansion, heralding it as the best-selling add-on to its game ever.

Turbine did not provide specific sales statistics for Rise of Isengard, but it did note that pre-purchases--which opened in June--fueled sales for the expansion. Previous expansions to LOTRO included The Mines of Moria (2008) and The Siege of Mirkwood (2009).

The Rise of Isengard expansion contains 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 level up to a new height of 75.

Gamers looking to slay a mighty beast will have a new monster to smite in Rise of Isengard. A new 24-player raid included in the expansion has players taking on the ancient Draigoch, "one of the most powerful creatures of Middle-earth."

Rise of Isengard is currently available for purchase exclusively online in $30, $40, and $50 iterations.