Tolkien-based MMO Lord of the Rings Online is going free-to-play this fall. A new online LOTRO Store will allow players to purchase "expansions, quest packs, items, and account services a la carte," according to Warner Brothers.

If you'd prefer to have everything for one price, the "VIP package" will give players access to all the premium features for one, yet-to-be-announced price.

The game will no longer be sold in a physical box, either. Would be elves, dwarves and hobbits will have to download the game in order to play it. If you are currently a lifetime member, you will automatically be given a VIP account and get 500 Turbine Points a month until the new model launches.

Warner Brothers promises to show off the newly re-vamps LOTRO at E3 beginning on June 15.

What do you think? Is this a positive or negative sign for Lord of the Rings Online?