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LOTRO’s Latest Expansion Is Out Now, Nearly 20 Years After The Game Launched
The Lord of the Rings Online has launched its latest expansion, The Wolves of Mordor, nearly 20 years after the game's initial release in 2007. The expansion introduces three new regions, new skills, and companions with unique personality traits. It is available in multiple editions ranging from $40 to $130.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at Gondor’s phantom expansion
This article examines the history of Gondor's content in Lord of the Rings Online, which was released in stages between 2014 and 2017 rather than as a single expansion. This period was marked by financial struggles and a leadership shakeup at developer Turbine, leading to rumors of the game entering maintenance mode. Despite these challenges, the content eventually formed a cohesive, albeit 'phantom,' expansion, which is considered a positive outcome compared to the game's potential shutdown.
Former Lord of the Rings Online community manager hit by cancer, launches fundraiser to pay medical bills
Rick Heaton, former community manager for Lord of the Rings Online, is battling an aggressive cancer and has launched a GoFundMe to cover extensive medical bills. His friend is seeking $45,000 to assist with hospital costs, travel, and ongoing treatment needs.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at Riders of Rohan
This analysis looks back at the 2012 expansion 'Riders of Rohan' for Lord of the Rings Online, highlighting its strong promotional efforts and thematic connection to the films. While it introduced popular elements like war-steeds and expanded the game world, the feature proved divisive due to its handling and technical issues, particularly with server lag.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at Siege of Mirkwood
This analysis revisits the Siege of Mirkwood expansion for Lord of the Rings Online, which was released in 2009. Despite being smaller in scope than its predecessor, Mines of Moria, it introduced the significant Skirmish system and marked the last expansion before the game went free-to-play. While not widely popular, the expansion's legacy is tied to its innovative systems and narrative connections to subsequent content.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at Mines of Moria
This article looks back at the 2008 expansion for Lord of the Rings Online, Mines of Moria, developed by Turbine. It highlights the expansion's ambitious scope, the technical challenges of creating underground environments, and its impact on the game's progression, including the introduction of new classes and the controversial Radiance gear system. Despite some criticisms, the author views Mines of Moria as a net positive for the game, especially in its current iteration.
Perfect Ten: Looking back at the absurdly stacked MMO year of 2010
The year 2010 was a landmark year for MMORPGs, marked by numerous significant launches, business model shifts, and notable events. Key moments included the launches of Star Trek Online, Global Agenda, and Mortal Online, alongside the controversial launches and shutdowns of All Points Bulletin and the initial version of Final Fantasy XIV. The year also saw major shifts with EverQuest II and Lord of the Rings Online adopting free-to-play models, and the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm and City of Heroes: Going Rogue expansions.
MMO Week in Review: FFXIV in Berlin, Black Desert in SoCal, and Jimothy saturation
This week's MMO news covers Final Fantasy XIV's Fan Festival in Berlin, Black Desert's Heidel Ball, and the early access launch of SEED. Updates were also provided for Dungeons & Dragons Online, Aion 2, and The Guild reunion movie. Several games saw controversy including World of Warcraft staff cheating, Elder Scrolls Online capacity issues, and Microsoft layoffs.
Whatever happened to Unleashed Games’ cooperative-focused MMORPG Haven?
Developer Unleashed Games, comprised of industry veterans, is facing financial difficulties in securing publisher funding for its cooperative MMORPG, Haven. The studio has experienced a lack of communication and a shift in livestream broadcasts, leading to concerns about the game's future. The team is currently reassessing their project and plans to provide an update soon.
