Codemasters is holding its Connect 08 event today, and unfortunately yours truly can't attend (indie blogging has its downsides). Fortunately, I had planned to send a very capable and trusted colleague to go in my stead. With nobody of that caliber available, I just told Wardrox to go. He's providing me information for the frontpage and the first big announcement is that Lord of the Rings Online is getting a new expansion -- Conquer the World Beneath.

The new expansion, taking players into the Mines of Moria, includes ten new levels, two classes and three regions including Loch Lorrien. Other general notes of hype include dynamic lighting, "world changing" instances, environment aware AI and bosses such as The Balrog. 

The game's creators claim that LOTRO is "just getting started," and with two new books (patches), dwarf cities, and "legendary items" on the way, it sounds like Codies is really pushing for this to be a high level MMO. 

We just got word that a Web site for the new expansion has launched seconds ago, and can be viewed right here. It will feature a Web game that launches on March 31st and can be played to unlock stuff in the real game. Check it out for the full info.