I started playing LotRO a few months ago to give me a little break from GW and to fill time while I'm waiting (impatiently) for GW2. At this point I am completely hooked on LotRO and will continue playing even after GW2 comes out...although probably not quite as much. I only have so much time to play lol.
I am F2P and have no intention of becoming sub but I will buy things from the store (expansions, etc.) so Turbine will definitely get my money. I think that's the way it is/will be for anyone playing that game. Even if they have other games they love to play, LotRO is a great game, is very deep, and costs little money to play. So, yes, I think it will stick around for a long time even with SWTOR and GW2 in the mix.
You want me to pay to play a game I already paid for???
The people who play it right now play it because they love Arda, and they love a good solid game with a unique feel and a dash of innovation. LotRO isn't going away any time soon, not until it takes itself out I think. Maybe I'm optimistic, but that's my perception of the situation. GW2 will pose a threat ot everything in the genre, but SW:tOR isn't even really for the same audience.
Me trying GW2 and SWToR has nothign to do with me picking up LOTRO again when the expansion comes out.
I think the population might dip but this happens whenever a major game is released. then those player play that new game and decide whether to go back or sub to both or go back when the old game has an expansion, etc.
QFT. Could not have said it better myself. The same thing happened to me with Rift. I love Lotro but decided to try Rift. I really enjoyed playing Rift and made it my main game for a while. But now I am back in Lotro(never stopped playing it, just played it less)
It really is true what Sovrath said. People who play Lotro play Lotro. The game has its dedicated players and they are not going anywhere soon. SWtoR and GW2 will have very little impact on Lotro. Now WoW on the other hand, that is a whole different story. Many WoW players are dying for something new. If I was Blizzard, I would be slightly worried.
both of those title that are coming are still a long way off lol,next year!so player will probably get another update before both of the other release and that is if they arent delayed!(wich normally they are)so i wouldnt sweat it for lotr they got 1 year of smooth sailing then it will depend on gw2 and swotr or maybe the unknown from blizzard.they arent sleeping you know ,just because blizzard doesnt speak about their hidden project doesnt mean they aint working on it!
That is wild. I knew LoTRO stayed in the top 5 in the XFire MMORPG numbers but the numbers there are a complete surprise.
Wow...didn't know Nielsen still had their measurement section - I know they stopped it in Canada a few years ago (We were a nielsen family for over 25 years).
Interesting numbers - even though they're just a cross section - like Xfire, etc.
I can't imagine LOTRO going anywhere for at least another 4 years. Eventually we'll get to Mordor, but after that who knows what will happen to the game. I think as long as people are spending twenty bucks on mounts and fifty bucks on some exclusive armor + mounts with expansions, the game will have a future.
Yeah, it'll absolutely survive. A lot of folks would disagree w/me, but I believe it to be one of the best MMO's out there. I play LOTRO, plan on buying GW2, but will divide my time between both. LOTRO also has a following of fans that are far more hardcore than I'll ever be...people who were Tolkein fans from way back, people who loved the movies, and the people who just enjoy being a part of that world.
Not speaking negatively toward Rift, but when it came out, a lot of people jumped ship from a lot of different MMO's and those games are still around...some are doing better than others, I'm sure. These new games, coming out, will be pretty awesome I'm sure, but not necessarily the nails in the coffins of other games.
While I have no access to "real" data (and Xfire is not real data), I would say that there are far fewer subscribers to LOTRO this month then there was prior to the so-called f2p conversion. From what I have been seeing is a lot of my friends on my friends list are no longer playing. Even "new" friends are no longer playing or are playing so infrequently that I never catch them online. In fact, even I have been logging in less. That does not mean I am not interested just that I am finding it harder to justify logging in without my friends to play with.
That begs the question, "what are my friends now playing?" Well, other so-called f2p games. What some might call good for MMOs being this f2p model might also be called a big reason for people to stay less focused on one game at a time. Now, instead of logging on to LOTRO they are trying games like APB or Champions Online or Age of Conan or some of the newer Facebook games (I know....yuck) or any number of other "free" games. The point is, they no longer feel that they are restricted to playing LOTRO and therefore AREN'T. Frankly, I see f2p becoming the death of MMO's.
Me trying GW2 and SWToR has nothign to do with me picking up LOTRO again when the expansion comes out.
I think the population might dip but this happens whenever a major game is released. then those player play that new game and decide whether to go back or sub to both or go back when the old game has an expansion, etc.
QFT. Could not have said it better myself. The same thing happened to me with Rift. I love Lotro but decided to try Rift. I really enjoyed playing Rift and made it my main game for a while. But now I am back in Lotro(never stopped playing it, just played it less)
It really is true what Sovrath said. People who play Lotro play Lotro. The game has its dedicated players and they are not going anywhere soon. SWtoR and GW2 will have very little impact on Lotro. Now WoW on the other hand, that is a whole different story. Many WoW players are dying for something new. If I was Blizzard, I would be slightly worried.
Why would they be in the slightest worried? WoW still remains top notch end-game content along with their established fanbase and they still have their "Titan" card to play. They wait till SWTOR, GW2, TSW, ArcheAge and whatever else release, push out "Titan" then sit back and laugh at the influx of returning subs.
One thing that Blizz has going for em the most is their global audiance than few MMOs has if any than can match theirs.
But in regards to the topic, LotRO will continue to be fine. It's a cheap game to play that appeals to most to play it, now if some of the polished MMOs start tapping into the F2P market... well then things would be different I reckon.
Most people who play Lotro play it for the lore, atmosphere of the game. I doubt SWTOR have have any significant impact on the game as it is quite different, both in feel and the difference between freemium and subscription.
GW2 might have an impact, though I think Lotro will be one of the games that suffer relatively little.
Waiting for Guild Wars 2, and maybe SWTOR until that time...
Most people who play Lotro play it for the lore, atmosphere of the game. I doubt SWTOR have have any significant impact on the game as it is quite different, both in feel and the difference between freemium and subscription.
GW2 might have an impact, though I think Lotro will be one of the games that suffer relatively little.
I always figured if either game could effect Rings at all it would be SWTOR actually. Mainly because least for me the main reason I like Rings outside of the lore it is based on is because of the the story line concept in the game. Which is the main focal point of SWTOR.
I know that's why I'm going to be playing the game anyways. Although I can pretty much guarantee that while I'll be taking a short hiatus for SWTOR; I'll be back in Rings eventually.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
While I have no access to "real" data (and Xfire is not real data), I would say that there are far fewer subscribers to LOTRO this month then there was prior to the so-called f2p conversion. From what I have been seeing is a lot of my friends on my friends list are no longer playing. Even "new" friends are no longer playing or are playing so infrequently that I never catch them online. In fact, even I have been logging in less. That does not mean I am not interested just that I am finding it harder to justify logging in without my friends to play with.
That begs the question, "what are my friends now playing?" Well, other so-called f2p games. What some might call good for MMOs being this f2p model might also be called a big reason for people to stay less focused on one game at a time. Now, instead of logging on to LOTRO they are trying games like APB or Champions Online or Age of Conan or some of the newer Facebook games (I know....yuck) or any number of other "free" games. The point is, they no longer feel that they are restricted to playing LOTRO and therefore AREN'T. Frankly, I see f2p becoming the death of MMO's.
But let's not forget, it's the middle of the Summer. There are far more destractions to playing LotRO than just other games.
I, (like a lot of people, i suspect) find myself playing a lot less LotRO (and games in general) during the Summer, and let's not forget that, as LotRO is seen as a more "mature" game, you're unlikely to get a huge influx of bored school kids filling this void.
For what it's worth, I think LotRO will do just fine in the long term, but with a few of the recent changes, (not F2P - I've not issues with that) I do find myself in an uncomfortable position - I'm a solo gamer that is actually bemoaning the solofication of the game.
I think it's because I've always felt a little guilty of shunning the MM in favour of the ORPG. But when I was forced into grouping certain sections (Book 1:Othrongroth, anyone?!), it actually made the game feel more dynamic and "alive". These little content bottle necks forced even reluctant soloers to bite the grouping bullet.
In a weird way I do miss the game forcing me to do the what i secretly know I should be doing, but would never (and now needn't ever) do by choice. The end result has, ironically for a soloer, left the game feeling even more sterile than before.
LOTRO going F2P had more to do with creating a more sustainable income model than a "failing" game as some forum trolls keep trying to establish. With the F2P success of DDO, Turbine naturally saw the potential of using a similar model in LOTRO. Turbine is a company in pursuit of profit. As long as I enjoy the game I will keep playing and paying.
While I haven't been ecstatic with all the F2P changes, I have greatly enjoyed the marked increase of players especially at the lower to mid levels which has helped balance out a previously top-heavy game, a huge benefit for an alt-aholic like myself.
Just because - you - don't like the game doesn't mean it is failing or destined to fail. Every relevant (factually based) benchmark I have seen shows LOTRO to be a profitable MMORPG with a strong population of active players.
Even with the advent of SWTOR, Lotro (IMO) has a long future ahead of it. These are 2 very different games. While I enjoy reading sci-fi, I am more of a high fantasy gamer and personally enjoy the atmosphere of LOTRO. I plan to buy SW-TOR simply on the strength of Bioware as the developer and my personal experience with their previous titles.
Del Cabon A US Army ('Just Cause') Vet and MMORPG Native formerly of Trinsic, Norath and Dereth. Currently playing LOTRO.
I will say this my Pre-order for swtor is locked in place. I did not pre order Isengard for either of my or my wife's account. We just come to a point that it was time to disassociate ourselves from turbine. I have not logged in but 3 times since it went free to play.
Comments
I started playing LotRO a few months ago to give me a little break from GW and to fill time while I'm waiting (impatiently) for GW2. At this point I am completely hooked on LotRO and will continue playing even after GW2 comes out...although probably not quite as much. I only have so much time to play lol.
I am F2P and have no intention of becoming sub but I will buy things from the store (expansions, etc.) so Turbine will definitely get my money. I think that's the way it is/will be for anyone playing that game. Even if they have other games they love to play, LotRO is a great game, is very deep, and costs little money to play. So, yes, I think it will stick around for a long time even with SWTOR and GW2 in the mix.
You want me to pay to play a game I already paid for???
Be afraid.....The dragons are HERE!
It will last up until the point where noone buys their latest expansion.
The people who play it right now play it because they love Arda, and they love a good solid game with a unique feel and a dash of innovation. LotRO isn't going away any time soon, not until it takes itself out I think. Maybe I'm optimistic, but that's my perception of the situation. GW2 will pose a threat ot everything in the genre, but SW:tOR isn't even really for the same audience.
QFT. Could not have said it better myself. The same thing happened to me with Rift. I love Lotro but decided to try Rift. I really enjoyed playing Rift and made it my main game for a while. But now I am back in Lotro(never stopped playing it, just played it less)
It really is true what Sovrath said. People who play Lotro play Lotro. The game has its dedicated players and they are not going anywhere soon. SWtoR and GW2 will have very little impact on Lotro. Now WoW on the other hand, that is a whole different story. Many WoW players are dying for something new. If I was Blizzard, I would be slightly worried.
i will play lotro til i die or it dies,whichever comes first..best mmo on the go atm apart from VG
both of those title that are coming are still a long way off lol,next year!so player will probably get another update before both of the other release and that is if they arent delayed!(wich normally they are)so i wouldnt sweat it for lotr they got 1 year of smooth sailing then it will depend on gw2 and swotr or maybe the unknown from blizzard.they arent sleeping you know ,just because blizzard doesnt speak about their hidden project doesnt mean they aint working on it!
Hmm, just found this so it seems Lotro will survive just fine.
http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/top10s/video_games.html
In America I have bad teeth. If I lived in England my teeth would be perfect.
The thing with the biggest potential to hurt LOTRO is if they did a bad job with Isengard. People have been waiting a long while for new content....
LOTRO is my only sub at the moment. It will be my other sub when SWTOR is released.
That is wild. I knew LoTRO stayed in the top 5 in the XFire MMORPG numbers but the numbers there are a complete surprise.
I miss DAoC
Wow...didn't know Nielsen still had their measurement section - I know they stopped it in Canada a few years ago (We were a nielsen family for over 25 years).
Interesting numbers - even though they're just a cross section - like Xfire, etc.
I can't imagine LOTRO going anywhere for at least another 4 years. Eventually we'll get to Mordor, but after that who knows what will happen to the game. I think as long as people are spending twenty bucks on mounts and fifty bucks on some exclusive armor + mounts with expansions, the game will have a future.
Yeah, it'll absolutely survive. A lot of folks would disagree w/me, but I believe it to be one of the best MMO's out there. I play LOTRO, plan on buying GW2, but will divide my time between both. LOTRO also has a following of fans that are far more hardcore than I'll ever be...people who were Tolkein fans from way back, people who loved the movies, and the people who just enjoy being a part of that world.
Not speaking negatively toward Rift, but when it came out, a lot of people jumped ship from a lot of different MMO's and those games are still around...some are doing better than others, I'm sure. These new games, coming out, will be pretty awesome I'm sure, but not necessarily the nails in the coffins of other games.
While I have no access to "real" data (and Xfire is not real data), I would say that there are far fewer subscribers to LOTRO this month then there was prior to the so-called f2p conversion. From what I have been seeing is a lot of my friends on my friends list are no longer playing. Even "new" friends are no longer playing or are playing so infrequently that I never catch them online. In fact, even I have been logging in less. That does not mean I am not interested just that I am finding it harder to justify logging in without my friends to play with.
That begs the question, "what are my friends now playing?" Well, other so-called f2p games. What some might call good for MMOs being this f2p model might also be called a big reason for people to stay less focused on one game at a time. Now, instead of logging on to LOTRO they are trying games like APB or Champions Online or Age of Conan or some of the newer Facebook games (I know....yuck) or any number of other "free" games. The point is, they no longer feel that they are restricted to playing LOTRO and therefore AREN'T. Frankly, I see f2p becoming the death of MMO's.
Let's party like it is 1863!
Why would they be in the slightest worried? WoW still remains top notch end-game content along with their established fanbase and they still have their "Titan" card to play. They wait till SWTOR, GW2, TSW, ArcheAge and whatever else release, push out "Titan" then sit back and laugh at the influx of returning subs.
One thing that Blizz has going for em the most is their global audiance than few MMOs has if any than can match theirs.
But in regards to the topic, LotRO will continue to be fine. It's a cheap game to play that appeals to most to play it, now if some of the polished MMOs start tapping into the F2P market... well then things would be different I reckon.
Most people who play Lotro play it for the lore, atmosphere of the game. I doubt SWTOR have have any significant impact on the game as it is quite different, both in feel and the difference between freemium and subscription.
GW2 might have an impact, though I think Lotro will be one of the games that suffer relatively little.
Waiting for Guild Wars 2, and maybe SWTOR until that time...
I always figured if either game could effect Rings at all it would be SWTOR actually. Mainly because least for me the main reason I like Rings outside of the lore it is based on is because of the the story line concept in the game. Which is the main focal point of SWTOR.
I know that's why I'm going to be playing the game anyways. Although I can pretty much guarantee that while I'll be taking a short hiatus for SWTOR; I'll be back in Rings eventually.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
But let's not forget, it's the middle of the Summer. There are far more destractions to playing LotRO than just other games.
I, (like a lot of people, i suspect) find myself playing a lot less LotRO (and games in general) during the Summer, and let's not forget that, as LotRO is seen as a more "mature" game, you're unlikely to get a huge influx of bored school kids filling this void.
For what it's worth, I think LotRO will do just fine in the long term, but with a few of the recent changes, (not F2P - I've not issues with that) I do find myself in an uncomfortable position - I'm a solo gamer that is actually bemoaning the solofication of the game.
I think it's because I've always felt a little guilty of shunning the MM in favour of the ORPG. But when I was forced into grouping certain sections (Book 1:Othrongroth, anyone?!), it actually made the game feel more dynamic and "alive". These little content bottle necks forced even reluctant soloers to bite the grouping bullet.
In a weird way I do miss the game forcing me to do the what i secretly know I should be doing, but would never (and now needn't ever) do by choice. The end result has, ironically for a soloer, left the game feeling even more sterile than before.
Still, it'll be Winter soon......
LOTRO going F2P had more to do with creating a more sustainable income model than a "failing" game as some forum trolls keep trying to establish. With the F2P success of DDO, Turbine naturally saw the potential of using a similar model in LOTRO. Turbine is a company in pursuit of profit. As long as I enjoy the game I will keep playing and paying.
While I haven't been ecstatic with all the F2P changes, I have greatly enjoyed the marked increase of players especially at the lower to mid levels which has helped balance out a previously top-heavy game, a huge benefit for an alt-aholic like myself.
Just because - you - don't like the game doesn't mean it is failing or destined to fail. Every relevant (factually based) benchmark I have seen shows LOTRO to be a profitable MMORPG with a strong population of active players.
Even with the advent of SWTOR, Lotro (IMO) has a long future ahead of it. These are 2 very different games. While I enjoy reading sci-fi, I am more of a high fantasy gamer and personally enjoy the atmosphere of LOTRO. I plan to buy SW-TOR simply on the strength of Bioware as the developer and my personal experience with their previous titles.
Del Cabon
A US Army ('Just Cause') Vet and MMORPG Native formerly of Trinsic, Norath and Dereth. Currently playing LOTRO.
I will say this my Pre-order for swtor is locked in place. I did not pre order Isengard for either of my or my wife's account. We just come to a point that it was time to disassociate ourselves from turbine. I have not logged in but 3 times since it went free to play.