Our giveaway contest for codes for Turbine Points officially ended on May 15, 2011, and we have chosen our lucky winners.

A few weeks ago we spoke with Turbine as they celebrated the four-year anniversary of Lord of the Rings Online. During that interview, we also discussed the results of adding a free-to-play (F2P) format to their existing subscription business model and of what we can expect from E3.

Turbine has kindly given Gamertell eight (8) codes for Turbine Points, worth about $5 each. These Turbine Points are used in LOTRO to purchase in-game items that include cosmetic clothing, quest packs, stat boosters, and even mounts. Gamertell in turn will be giving away these codes to eight readers.

Here are the full contest rules for the Turbine Points giveaway.

This week Turbine revealed to Gamertell on what to expect in the coming months from Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) . The game had just released a massive free content update about a month ago (March 2011), so I was surprised to hear that there are plans to release another content update in May 2011. Although the update will not be as large as the previous one, it still sounds like players will be kept mighty busy from now until the expected Fall 2011 release of Rise of Isengard, a full-on expansion.

This weekend marks the four-year anniversary of developer Turbine’s The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO). Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels, this MMORPG players follow a few steps behind the journeys of Frodo, Gandalf, and the rest of the Fellowship. I had the opportunity to speak in a conference call with Communications Director Adam Mersky and Producer Aaron Campbell on what it’s like to have lived and breathed the world of Middle-earth for the last four years and what may be in store for the next four. Also, we get a sneak peak at what to expect from Rise of Isengard, the upcoming and highly anticipated next expansion.

There’s a theory going around that challenges the traditional MMORPG pricing methods. Instead of earning money primarily from monthly subscriptions, some MMOs have adopted the free-to-play structure. It is believed that gamers will spend more money through microtransactions than they ever would on subscriptions. Removing the initial price to play the game also encourages gamers to at least try the product. If they get hooked, they’ll spend money on expansions, character slots, weapons and other additions.

MMO developer Turbine is having a contest in which they’re giving away an astounding 100,000 Turbine Points to a lucky Lord of the Rings Online player. Turbine Points are used to purchase in-game items such as costumes, consumables, mounts, and even quest packs.

MMORPG developers Turbine have announced the upcoming expansion to Lord of the Rings Online. Keeping in line with J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels, players will make their way through Saruman’s dark territory in Rise of Isengard. This expansion is due out in fall 2011.

So, you’re holiday shopping for your friends and family and one of them happens to be a Lord of the Rings Online player. What would be a great gift for him or her? No, I don’t think you should get them a limited edition Gimli mug, or a Legolas costume. And I’m sure this person already has a replica of the One Ring. So what’s left? How about something useful for a change and get a Turbine Point gift card?