The calm before the storm.

StanlyManly

I routinely browse some of the more popular LOTRO forums.  VN Boards, here, and the official boards.  During open beta, and the first couple weeks of retails, those forums were really on fire with heated debates, "Best game ever" threads, and just general back and forth discussions. 



I don't see much happening anymore.  Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers.  Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.



I have observed in the prior week, a sudden increase in what I like to call the "I like it, but" posts, that IMHO signified the calm before the storm.  The newness wore off for some folks, and they were finally able to see some of the problems with the game.  They still felt they had to be part of the community by prefacing their complaint with praise, but their dissent was beginning to show.



And now we have that calm.  That lull when those people who once sang the praises of the game for 2 weeks are now realizing that maybe they shouldn't have trumpeted so loudly.  They aren't posting now because they are in a state of disbelief.  They are torn between wanting to like the game as much as they said they did, and their actual feelings of frustration.  Confusion and doubt is settling in.



The storm will come soon.  The fall from grace is happening.  I'll get my popcorn ready.





Please note:  The above is most certainly my opinion, and is based on nothing more than my own personal observations, heavily laden with speculation and conjecture.

flood950

Where have you been??  This happens with every new game.  Some more severe than others...but this would be the natural phenomenon called hype and excitement.

Cabe2323

Originally posted by StanlyManly

I routinely browse some of the more popular LOTRO forums.  VN Boards, here, and the official boards.  During open beta, and the first couple weeks of retails, those forums were really on fire with heated debates, "Best game ever" threads, and just general back and forth discussions. 



I don't see much happening anymore.  Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers.  Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.



I have observed in the prior week, a sudden increase in what I like to call the "I like it, but" posts, that IMHO signified the calm before the storm.  The newness wore off for some folks, and they were finally able to see some of the problems with the game.  They still felt they had to be part of the community by prefacing their complaint with praise, but their dissent was beginning to show.



And now we have that calm.  That lull when those people who once sang the praises of the game for 2 weeks are now realizing that maybe they shouldn't have trumpeted so loudly.  They aren't posting now because they are in a state of disbelief.  They are torn between wanting to like the game as much as they said they did, and their actual feelings of frustration.  Confusion and doubt is settling in.



The storm will come soon.  The fall from grace is happening.  I'll get my popcorn ready.





Please note:  The above is most certainly my opinion, and is based on nothing more than my own personal observations, heavily laden with speculation and conjecture.

I see less people posting because they are spending more time playing.  Now that there are Freeps in the ettenmoors there is more PVM starting to go on. I see the queues starting up more frequently on the servers and I see tons of posts on the Official forums.  If there is a reason that less people are posting it is because there are official forums.  The same thing happens with WoW.  Most of the other forums for WoW aren't very busy since they can just post on the official forums.  

Ponico

Uh welcome to the world of gaming?

Yeebo

It's funny, what I've noticed is a drop off in thinly (or not so thinly) veiled "this game is teh suk" flamebait.  Figured it had to do with the fact that the game is wildly popular and getting rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press.  Kinda robs you of some of your ammo.

Cabe2323

Originally posted by Yeebo

It's funny, what I've noticed is a drop off in thinly (or not so thinly) veiled "this game is teh suk" flamebait.  Figured it had to do with the fact that the game is wildly popular and getting rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press.  Kinda robs you of some of your ammo.

QFT.  A lot of the trolls were like wait for Gamespot's review or wait for IGN's review, etc etc.  They will blast the game.  Well we see how well that worked out for the haters.  The only site I have seen give a bad review to the game is this site and then they recalled that review and called it a preview instead.

SWGLover

OP:

"Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to."

 

 

Looking at the replies that you do make, I notice that they're all anti-LotR.

We get it, you don't like the game.

Teganx

Originally posted by StanlyManly

I routinely browse some of the more popular LOTRO forums.  VN Boards, here, and the official boards.  During open beta, and the first couple weeks of retails, those forums were really on fire with heated debates, "Best game ever" threads, and just general back and forth discussions. 



I don't see much happening anymore.  Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers.  Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.



I have observed in the prior week, a sudden increase in what I like to call the "I like it, but" posts, that IMHO signified the calm before the storm.  The newness wore off for some folks, and they were finally able to see some of the problems with the game.  They still felt they had to be part of the community by prefacing their complaint with praise, but their dissent was beginning to show.



And now we have that calm.  That lull when those people who once sang the praises of the game for 2 weeks are now realizing that maybe they shouldn't have trumpeted so loudly.  They aren't posting now because they are in a state of disbelief.  They are torn between wanting to like the game as much as they said they did, and their actual feelings of frustration.  Confusion and doubt is settling in.



The storm will come soon.  The fall from grace is happening.  I'll get my popcorn ready.





Please note:  The above is most certainly my opinion, and is based on nothing more than my own personal observations, heavily laden with speculation and conjecture.

what an untterly negative, pointless post. I hate these boards, i wish there was a way for me to cancel my account altogether that way I would stop coming back. Until then my addiction and frustration here remains : (

Salvatoris

I think if people were bored, or discontent with the game... they would be posting that.  The lack of posting at all just tells me people are either playing it, or not.  If everyone played for 3 weeks and got bored, they would be here trashing the game for it's lack of content.  What I see are packed servers and active official forums for the game.  I am still playing, and can verify from the kinship information that so are all my buddies. 

 

It's a great game.  I see that the OP isn't a fan, but you can't please everyone.  I do think this game could please a fair percentage of people though.  I  have been playing through beta for about 7 months now.  I am still enjoying the game, not bored in the least.

StanlyManly

Originally posted by Yeebo

It's funny, what I've noticed is a drop off in thinly (or not so thinly) veiled "this game is teh suk" flamebait.  Figured it had to do with the fact that the game is wildly popular and getting rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press.  Kinda robs you of some of your ammo.

I always like to point out that AC2 got rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press as well.



As far as wildly popular, someone on the VN boards did some pretty good work in looking at the population numbers, and came up with a bit over 17.6k concurrent players on at prime time, across the NA servers.  Not sure that qualifies as wildly popular, although its definitely not an insignificant amount.

phosphoros

I'm not sure if this is a subtle attempt at flamebait or not.  Either way, at least he did put the disclaimer in at the bottom.



Attrition is a fact in every game.  People come and people go.  If you want to cry doom, it's your choice and this is diffinitely the forum to do that.  Though the VN Boards are a great place to whine and moan as well even with their anal mods. 



LotrO is by far not the best MMO ever made but it is a good game and fun to play. 

I'm not sure that simply reading forums is a good way to judge the health of a game that you apparently don't play. 



Next!

phosphoros

Originally posted by StanlyManly

Originally posted by Yeebo

It's funny, what I've noticed is a drop off in thinly (or not so thinly) veiled "this game is teh suk" flamebait.  Figured it had to do with the fact that the game is wildly popular and getting rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press.  Kinda robs you of some of your ammo.

I always like to point out that AC2 got rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press as well.



As far as wildly popular, someone on the VN boards did some pretty good work in looking at the population numbers, and came up with a bit over 17.6k concurrent players on at prime time, across the NA servers.  Not sure that qualifies as wildly popular, although its definitely not an insignificant amount. I'm sorry, but unless the company releases numbers on the server populations I find all the guessing bullshit.  Regardless of the game, be it SWG, EQ2, LotrO, etc....  It's guesswork and from what I've seen a heftly done of imagination.

That's just my opinion though on population speculation.

Greyhawk4x4

Originally posted by Cabe2323

Originally posted by StanlyManly

I routinely browse some of the more popular LOTRO forums.  VN Boards, here, and the official boards.  During open beta, and the first couple weeks of retails, those forums were really on fire with heated debates, "Best game ever" threads, and just general back and forth discussions. 



I don't see much happening anymore.  Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers.  Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.



I have observed in the prior week, a sudden increase in what I like to call the "I like it, but" posts, that IMHO signified the calm before the storm.  The newness wore off for some folks, and they were finally able to see some of the problems with the game.  They still felt they had to be part of the community by prefacing their complaint with praise, but their dissent was beginning to show.



And now we have that calm.  That lull when those people who once sang the praises of the game for 2 weeks are now realizing that maybe they shouldn't have trumpeted so loudly.  They aren't posting now because they are in a state of disbelief.  They are torn between wanting to like the game as much as they said they did, and their actual feelings of frustration.  Confusion and doubt is settling in.



The storm will come soon.  The fall from grace is happening.  I'll get my popcorn ready.





Please note:  The above is most certainly my opinion, and is based on nothing more than my own personal observations, heavily laden with speculation and conjecture.

I see less people posting because they are spending more time playing.  Now that there are Freeps in the ettenmoors there is more PVM starting to go on. I see the queues starting up more frequently on the servers and I see tons of posts on the Official forums.  If there is a reason that less people are posting it is because there are official forums.  The same thing happens with WoW.  Most of the other forums for WoW aren't very busy since they can just post on the official forums.  



I agree 100%. I am enjoying the hell out of the game !!!

Jackdog

Originally posted by StanlyManly

 

As far as wildly popular, someone on the VN boards did some pretty good work in looking at the population numbers, and came up with a bit over 17.6k concurrent players on at prime time, across the NA servers.  Not sure that qualifies as wildly popular, although its definitely not an insignificant amount.

Just how did your informed friend on the VN boards get any figures. I tried the Fellowship panel and no way to get server wide figures, tried several /who and /who all  commands and none worked. Here is a list of commands by the way , maybe I missed something , ot maybe this is just a flame bait topic.



mmostrategyguides.com/commands_lotro.html





here are some hard facts for you to think about though.



it is still the number one best seller at EBgames and has been number one for a couple of months now



www.ebgames.com/default.asp



and has been in the top ten over at Amazon for about 10 weeks and was number 1 for about three weeks

StanlyManly

Originally posted by phosphoros

I'm sorry, but unless the company releases numbers on the server populations I find all the guessing bullshit.  Regardless of the game, be it SWG, EQ2, LotrO, etc....  It's guesswork and from what I've seen a heftly done of imagination.

That's just my opinion though on population speculation.

http://vnboards.ign.com/lotr_online_general_board/b5042/102925299/p1/?34

Jackdog

Originally posted by StanlyManly

Originally posted by phosphoros

I'm sorry, but unless the company releases numbers on the server populations I find all the guessing bullshit.  Regardless of the game, be it SWG, EQ2, LotrO, etc....  It's guesswork and from what I've seen a heftly done of imagination.

That's just my opinion though on population speculation.

http://vnboards.ign.com/lotr_online_general_board/b5042/102925299/p1/?34

So tell me Stanly exactly what is the command for getting server wide population figures? There isn't one is there? By the way while over at VN you might want to check this thread out too



vnboards.ign.com/lotr_online_general_board/b5042/102957922/p1/

phosphoros

Originally posted by StanlyManly

Originally posted by phosphoros

I'm sorry, but unless the company releases numbers on the server populations I find all the guessing bullshit.  Regardless of the game, be it SWG, EQ2, LotrO, etc....  It's guesswork and from what I've seen a heftly done of imagination.

That's just my opinion though on population speculation.

http://vnboards.ign.com/lotr_online_general_board/b5042/102925299/p1/?34

Yes and the OP (Borne_FF)of that linked post states "My advice is to not read too much into these on either side (LotR haters or LotR fanboys). There are more variables to take into account that could skew these numbers in either direction."



So I still say BS on server population speculation.



Thanks for linking it though.

StanlyManly

Originally posted by Jackdog

So tell me Stanly exactly what is the command for getting server wide population figures? There isn't one is there? By the way while over at VN you might want to check this thread out too



vnboards.ign.com/lotr_online_general_board/b5042/102957922/p1/

Why are you asking me? He explains his methodology.



Yeah, I've seen that.  You do realize its for April, right?  And you do realize that there are no actual numbers attached to the sales charts, right? I mean, I know you love touting sales charts, but we have yet to see real numbers behind it.  Soon as the NPD numbers are released for May, we'll be able to discuss things a little more .  A word of advice that you didn't ask for and don't have to take... Don't be surprised when the numbers are lower than you hope.  Wasn't it just 2 months ago that fans were claiming 600k initial sales?



Edit: Hehe, did you scroll down to where it shows WoW and WoW:TBC back in the number 1 and 2 spots?

Orimus

I have to agree with the OP. I'm just sitting back and waiting for the waves of post complaining about the game and canceling subscription post. Then we will watch as the rating of the game drops to 8.0. Happens with every game, some sooner some later but it always happens.



I played to lvl 40 in Beta.... Not worth the time or money. If you like the game good for you. Have fun!

Hairysun

Originally posted by StanlyManly

I routinely browse some of the more popular LOTRO forums.  VN Boards, here, and the official boards.  During open beta, and the first couple weeks of retails, those forums were really on fire with heated debates, "Best game ever" threads, and just general back and forth discussions. 



I don't see much happening anymore.  Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers.  Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.



I have observed in the prior week, a sudden increase in what I like to call the "I like it, but" posts, that IMHO signified the calm before the storm.  The newness wore off for some folks, and they were finally able to see some of the problems with the game.  They still felt they had to be part of the community by prefacing their complaint with praise, but their dissent was beginning to show.



And now we have that calm.  That lull when those people who once sang the praises of the game for 2 weeks are now realizing that maybe they shouldn't have trumpeted so loudly.  They aren't posting now because they are in a state of disbelief.  They are torn between wanting to like the game as much as they said they did, and their actual feelings of frustration.  Confusion and doubt is settling in.



The storm will come soon.  The fall from grace is happening.  I'll get my popcorn ready.





Please note:  The above is most certainly my opinion, and is based on nothing more than my own personal observations, heavily laden with speculation and conjecture.

  Mmmmm.......popcorn.  As usual I just can't agree with this Stan.  The calm before the storm?  I will agree the newness of the game has somewhat worn off.  That in no way, shape or form is indicative of the game going downhill.  A fair analogy would be the newness of a new car wearing off.  You are not torn between wanting to like the car as much as you did a month prior.  It's just not brand new anymore.  There will be no fall from grace, no storm en route and no folks in a state of disbelief.

  I spend too much of my free time playing this game to be honest.  I'll pop my head in here from time to time to see if anything interesting has been posted.  Meh....lots of dead horses goin' round.

  LotRO is still a great game and I'm actually enjoying it more as I gain levels.  Nothing better than entering a new area to explore and do quests.  My server has become quite crowded and expect new servers to open up soon.  It is my understanding that Europe is doing very well too.

  I dunno Stan.....can't help but feel this is wishful thinking on your part.  The game is fine......  

Jackdog

Originally posted by StanlyManly

Originally posted by Jackdog

So tell me Stanly exactly what is the command for getting server wide population figures? There isn't one is there? By the way while over at VN you might want to check this thread out too



vnboards.ign.com/lotr_online_general_board/b5042/102957922/p1/

Why are you asking me? He explains his methodology.



Yeah, I've seen that.  You do realize its for April, right?  And you do realize that there are no actual numbers attached to the sales charts, right? I mean, I know you love touting sales charts, but we have yet to see real numbers behind it.  Soon as the NPD numbers are released for May, we'll be able to discuss things a little more .  A word of advice that you didn't ask for and don't have to take... Don't be surprised when the numbers are lower than you hope.  Wasn't it just 2 months ago that fans were claiming 600k initial sales?



Edit: Hehe, did you scroll down to where it shows WoW and WoW:TBC back in the number 1 and 2 spots? Why I ask. Because you are quoting it as a fact and all he says in his post is he uses searches. I cannot find any keyboard commands and until he or you can supply me with a way to double check I will raise the Bullshit flag. I know you love touting anything which rep[resents LoTRO in a negative manner but unless you can back up your claims you just look like a troll here.



But at least you at last played your WoW card so we now know why you find LoTRO such a threat. Go on back and enjoy your WoW Stan, it will not bankrupt Blizzard to lose a million or so to LoTRO. Oh and heh heh it is stil May, cannot get those figures yet..ummm duh

CognetoJoe

What is this thread about , besides troll baiting ?

StanlyManly

Originally posted by Jackdog

Why I ask. Because you are quoting it as a fact and all he says in his post is he uses searches. I cannot find any keyboard commands and until he or you can supply me with a way to double check I will raise the Bullshit flag. I know you love touting anything which rep[resents LoTRO in a negative manner but unless you can back up your claims you just look like a troll here.



But at least you at last played your WoW card so we now know why you find LoTRO such a threat. Go on back and enjoy your WoW Stan, it will not bankrupt Blizzard to lose a million or so to LoTRO. Oh and heh heh it is stil May, cannot get those figures yet..ummm duh

Just because you cannot find it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.  Heres a thought, why not ask him?  How are these suddenly my claims?  I clearly stated it was another individual who did it.  He describes his methodology.



I have no WoW card.  If you look at the chart, it clearly shows that WoW and WoW:TBC are in the number 1 and 2 spots.  Thats no card, thats simply the way it is.  My intent here is to point out that LOTRO is no longer in the number 1 spot on that chart.  It doesn't matter what game is in the number 1 and 2 spots.



Here you go calling bullshit on another person's claims, stating they need to back them up, and yet you can just arbitrarily spout off that you think LOTRO will leech 1 million players from WoW?  Do you need a shovel?

Jackdog

Originally posted by StanlyManly

Originally posted by Jackdog

Why I ask. Because you are quoting it as a fact and all he says in his post is he uses searches. I cannot find any keyboard commands and until he or you can supply me with a way to double check I will raise the Bullshit flag. I know you love touting anything which rep[resents LoTRO in a negative manner but unless you can back up your claims you just look like a troll here.



But at least you at last played your WoW card so we now know why you find LoTRO such a threat. Go on back and enjoy your WoW Stan, it will not bankrupt Blizzard to lose a million or so to LoTRO. Oh and heh heh it is stil May, cannot get those figures yet..ummm duh

Just because you cannot find it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.  Heres a thought, why not ask him?  How are these suddenly my claims?  I clearly stated it was another individual who did it.  He describes his methodology.



I have no WoW card.  If you look at the chart, it clearly shows that WoW and WoW:TBC are in the number 1 and 2 spots.  Thats no card, thats simply the way it is.  My intent here is to point out that LOTRO is no longer in the number 1 spot on that chart.  It doesn't matter what game is in the number 1 and 2 spots.



Here you go calling bullshit on another person's claims, stating they need to back them up, and yet you can just arbitrarily spout off that you think LOTRO will leech 1 million players from WoW?  Do you need a shovel?

I feel it is justified to call BS Stanly because for all we know that guy could just be a troll. If you want to quote me sales figures from a reputable source I will be happy to listen but just because some one posted something in a message forum does not mean it is a fact now does it.



The 1 million player call was just to show that my shovel is as big as your shovel and my opinion and right to express it is just as valis as yours. But when it all boils down they are both just opinions. Seems as if I touched a nerve with WoW , did not mean to hurt your feelings there.

ManJunk

I pretty much agree to the exact opposite of the OP in my *personal* opinion.  The game is not for everyone but as someone already stated, I think most people who were praising the game so highly are too busy *playing* to debate with people who are just looking to pick a fight.  Why post your praises on this board of a game you love just to have a hundred trolls thrash you to pieces.  Personally, I would much rather enjoy the game then defend my opinion.  I am sure there are those that praised the game and then realized they made a mistake, such is life!  To single them out and throw it back in their faces with a post that somewhat resembles a "I told you so" is kind of nonsense at this point.  We could just as well turn around and point out all those people that hated the game before release and love it now (me for one).  I think I'll break out some popcorn myself and enjoy a game I had low hopes for but was pleasantly surprised.

Yeebo

Well some guy on the some other board posted some very convincing numbers indicating that the game is currently being played by 2.5 billion people. 



www.disboards.com/



 No I don't know what his methods were, or at least if I do remember them I'm not willing to reiterate them.  And I'm not defending his methods, they aren't my methods.  And just because you can't find the post doesn't mean it isn't there.



Weaksauce.