The private server “Echoes of Angmar” was supposed to bring back the old gaming experience from the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online . But now they have to abandon the project because the publisher became aware of the copy.
Fans of The Lord of the Rings Online wanted the content from 2007 back, when the game was brand new. Therefore, they started a project: The private server was supposed to faithfully replicate all content up to Book 1, Volume 11 and bring back the zones from that time. Just like the quest lines and even the old trait system.
For some players, The Lord of the Rings Online is no longer what it once was. That’s why they wish for the earlier content to return. Currently, the developers Standing Stone Games are going in a completely different direction and promise improved graphics in the near future.
14 years after release, the MMORPG received an expansion, all info can be seen in the video:
For the private server with the old content, the first load tests were supposed to take place this month. More content would have gradually been added in September. The beta could potentially have started in November. But now they have to cancel everything.
If the server goes online, there will be consequences
What happened to them? “Echoes of Angmar” is no longer a secret in the community. Fans were looking forward to it, even though private servers are a kind of illegal copy.
Ultimately, the project gained so much notoriety that the developers of The Lord of the Rings Online also took notice and contacted Middle-earth Enterprise. They own the rights to J. R. R. Tolkien’s works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit worldwide.
The team of “Echoes of Angmar” received an official email from the publisher:
We have noted your release Echoes of Angmar, and we appreciate and share your enthusiasm for the works of Tolkien and especially for the makers and creators of the epic MMO The Lord of the Rings Online.
Judging by your website and Discord, you are people with boundless enthusiasm for LOTRO, JRR Tolkien, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. We acknowledge your enthusiasm and thank you for the fandom.
Unfortunately, as brand owners and managers of Tolkien’s works, we have to convey potentially difficult messages more often than we would like. Since your company is using Tolkien’s works and brands without authorization and without a license, we must ask you to cease.
As managers of Tolkien’s works, we take our role very seriously to protect the works on behalf of fans worldwide.
As the holders of intellectual property rights, we are committed to morally and legally protecting those rights.
Unfortunately, Echoes of Angmar is using specific content from the books and from our licensee for The Lord of the Rings Online without using a license. Honestly, sending such letters breaks our hearts. Fans often create things that reflect a connection to Tolkien’s creations.
Therefore, we must reluctantly request the immediate cessation of any unauthorized use of Echoes of Angmar and all other Tolkien-related IP addresses on all platforms including Discord, Youtube, and https://www.echoesofangmar.com
Best regards,
Middle-earth Enterprise”
If fans do not comply, they must expect legal and financial consequences. A report about shutting down the server is to be expected within the next few days. We at MeinMMO will keep you updated.
What do you think about the email that the project team received from the publisher? Do you find it a shame that the server is now coming to an end? Or do you see it as right, since it is a piracy and private servers are illegal? Feel free to let us know in the comments here on MeinMMO!
