LotRO not working on new dungeons, has no plans to merge servers from massively.joystiq.com

[CosaNostraPizza]

I missed you, Sockpuppet guy. Still don't understand anything you say, but I really enjoy reading it.

I think we are all entitled to some good harted fun and laughs.


I think anyone who dislikes the Muppets is a mean old curmudgeon.

[Pheriain]

I canceled my VIP.

I realize many people here love and enjoy the game in a casual setting but not everyone does. I paid for this expansion and I paid for several months of VIP. My money should count just as much as anyone else's.

There have been major bugs with the recent raids. Bugs that were not fixed.

With all the cheating in the moors and the lack challenging end game content what is someone to do at level cap? Should I just groundroll in bree all day? I don't have to pay to do that.

I wouldn't mind some new scalable instances such as Rift or Moria but I am not going to role play for a year, I am also not planning on running chickens to Helm's Deep.

[Bel-Astarte]

I would give you plus rep if that sort of thing still existed. I strongly disagree with what you wrote, but that's your opinion and you presented it very respectfully IMO.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Care for some fresh baked Strawberry Tarts?

[frickinmuck]

Of course the vast majority of people in game like the content thats a ridiculous statement, the question is how many people left because they didnt like the content?

Good question - one you do not know the answer to any more than I do. Steam usage is no yardstick, since Steam is a relatively new and under-used means of accessing the game. But if you hate the game so much, why stick around and make those who do like it miserable? Is there not some better MMO for you out there somewhere? One that has everything you're longing for? If not, then it's pretty absurd for you to go on about how bad LotRO is.

[dannypl]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Care for some fresh baked Strawberry Tarts?

I'm a blueberry man myself...

[frickinmuck]

That is a very personal kind of observation. Not necessary an objecitve one.

I never claimed otherwise.

If you can hang on till 04/04, TESO will be launched, and at least for the beginning will show turbine how a proper mmo should be (and how lotro used to be)

I tried ESO and found it banal and unengaging, but perhaps those who are unhappy with LotRO will find it a great alternative that finally satisfies them. That is my sincere hope, since in the end we're only human, and just want to have some fun.

[Angadan]

...since in the end we're only human, and just want to have some fun.

GIRLS just want to have fun. And I would like to be there when they do. Please.

p.s. Please.

[Lohi]

It says no new traditional dungeons and raids.

No, this is no traditional dungeons and raids for the 2014 year!. Everyone keeps leaving off that last part to make it incorrectly sound like it's a permanent change.

[Lohi]

It could have been renewed for 1 years, 2 years, or all the way through 2017.

Does this matter? No matter what the answer someone will panic and make a conspiracy out of it ("only until 2016, is that the planned shutdown date?" :-).
The license renewal has always been a rubber stamp. It was never an issue in the past, and is only an issue now because some dubious web site tried to turn it into a sensationalist story. So instead of taking actual facts that could point to problems with the game, they have to invent fables to worry about instead.

Similarly, this whole massively story is so warped out of context with what was really said. People who are predisposed to assume the worst possible reasons and rationales will take anything as proof of their beliefs. It's confirmation bias. We get honest answers being given to direct questions that many people have, and rather than saying thanks for the communication (which everyone was asking for) Turbine gets slammed for it in a distorted article. And yet some people still haven't figured out why Turbine is reluctant to speak freely off-the-cuff.

[Lohi]

Firstly - Its good to know now that no new raids/instances are being made for this game. Keeping us in the dark for as long as Turbine have about this subject meant many people have hung around needlessly already.

That's only for 2014 (well the part of 2014 that occurs before the next expansion). But we already knew that! This is nothing new, it's just a confirmation. We knew before Helm's Deep was released that there were going to be no new traditional raids or instances. Maybe you missed that, in which case you should just go read all the old threads.

No one was being kept in the dark!

[Lohi]

It is very understandable why players are asking about the licence.

Because players aren't lawyers which makes them confused about the issues, further players are listening to sensationalist MMO news sites which hyped this boring issue by asking "is lotro shutting down in 2014".

We've had a license agreement all along with options to extend it. That means it is pretty much automatically extended as soon as it is asked for (and the fee is paid). So then the non-lawyer players ask "why not extend now for all the remaining years?" in which case notice that part about paying the fees. Companies don't like to spend money significantly earlier than they have to.

As for why it wasn't communicated clearly to non-lawyers and such; first it's hard to communicate this legal stuff, second it's legal stuff and most places don't like to communicate this stuff, and third it would be playing into the hands of the conspiracy theorists. Note that even after this was confirmed that people were not mollified but immediately started asking more questions or adding more accusations. There was never a reason to be skeptical unless suckered into it by those dubious web sites with ominous sounding headlines.

[Smehcoons]

That's only for 2014 (well the part of 2014 that occurs before the next expansion). But we already knew that! This is nothing new, it's just a confirmation. We knew before Helm's Deep was released that there were going to be no new traditional raids or instances. Maybe you missed that, in which case you should just go read all the old threads.

No one was being kept in the dark!

Respectfully disagree. Maybe I phrased it wrong. Let me clarify.

The expectation for a subscription based MMO is that content* is regularly released.

Yes, no new raids/instance were going to be release with HD. It doesn't mean that the expectation was that there was never going to be any new content though for 15+ months.

Yes, they state "2014", but if you think anyone is just going to sit in game with nothing to do for the next 12 months and to pay for the privilege, then you're living on another planet. And you think it'll be just 2014? Do you honestly believe that come 1 Jan 2015, they'll be a slew of new content. No. We wont see anything for well over a year.

So, I was surprised to hear that there was never a plan for new content. Especially when the head-honcho's release a letter to the player base saying that there will be regular content created throughout the year. However, with no specific announcements made, people like me where left wondering. I was fully expecting some massive news about a new raid or instance cluster that would be used to show-case the new trait lines.

Anyways, I'm not raging. I actually hope they plan to use this time to improve and fix the game - with perhaps a possible relaunch or something in the future. (fools hope i know). it just means I'll move on to something else. I cancelled my two subscriptions last night, and have already googled some new games to start playing.

*I'll never give a rats about fluffy content like festivals and chicken racing or what ever it is they do consider 'content'.

[frickinmuck]

Yes, no new raids/instance were going to be release with HD. It doesn't mean that the expectation was that there was never going to be any new content though for 15+ months.

Yes, they state "2014", but if you think anyone is just going to sit in game with nothing to do for the next 12 months and to pay for the privilege, then you're living on another planet. And you think it'll be just 2014? Do you honestly believe that come 1 Jan 2015, they'll be a slew of new content. No. We wont see anything for well over a year.

So, I was surprised to hear that there was never a plan for new content. Especially when the head-honcho's release a letter to the player base saying that there will be regular content created throughout the year. However, with no specific announcements made, people like me where left wondering. I was fully expecting some massive news about a new raid or instance cluster that would be used to show-case the new trait lines.

You may want to pay closer attention to what's been announced and what is being planned. Honestly, I don't know why people keep claiming there will be no new content this year. It's been made clear that there will.

“Take a break from expansions”
We’ve heard a lot of you suggest we take a break from the annual expansion cycle, and we agree! We’d like to take the time to revisit some older systems, add more region content, and just generally have more Middle-earth to explore throughout the year. When the Players Council last visited, we asked them what they thought of a year that focused on more content and more opportunities to refine and improve existing systems. They echoed the sentiment we’d heard from many of you and were unanimous in their support. They were also very passionate on one point; VIPs should get this new content for free. (Again, we agree!)

More Content, More Often – Free for VIP.
In the past we’ve focused on yearly expansion packs that brought big changes and lots of new content at the end of the year coupled with smaller updates throughout the year and a new region in the spring. In 2014 we’re going to focus on a steady flow of content throughout the year. We’re planning on adding new content on a quarterly basis in 2014. Players have expressed a desire to explore a bit deeper into Fangorn Forest and to see Isengard flooded in the battle with the Ents. Both of these are slated for our first quarterly update in March.
Later in the year we’ll be seeing more iconic locales and moments from the lore including the Paths of the Dead and the Dead Marshes. We will also take our first steps in Gondor!
If you’re a VIP, these regions and content will all be free with your subscription.

[Whatevaplz]

Good question - one you do not know the answer to any more than I do. Steam usage is no yardstick, since Steam is a relatively new and under-used means of accessing the game. But if you hate the game so much, why stick around and make those who do like it miserable? Is there not some better MMO for you out there somewhere? One that has everything you're longing for? If not, then it's pretty absurd for you to go on about how bad LotRO is.

Steam is actually a good outlet. It is another way to reach a good amount of prospect of players. If what you are saying that the mass of 3700 players is lower then the real amount of LOTRO gamers then that is true. But If 40% of this mass decided to leave just in 14 days, do you honestly believed that the medium of players that don't use Steam don't feel the same way? I don't use Steam and I hardly log in, I just claim my hobbit weekly presents and log off.

To be honest, if you hate the customer service or a product don't you go back to the store and complain as well?

[Beaniemooch]

You may want to pay closer attention to what's been announced and what is being planned. Honestly, I don't know why people keep claiming there will be no new content this year. It's been made clear that there will.

More region content to me means quests and general epic lines through old areas perhaps. I want raids and instances.

I don't want iconic lore moments as filler. I want raids and instances.

I don't want more countryside to explore - especially in older areas where it won't be the latest ore with emerald shards, because right now that's end game, baby. I want raids and instances.

I don't care about housing and cosmetics and festivals and kin revamps. I want raids and instances.

We've had enough lackluster pseudo-content for the past two expansions. Classes are broken and need to be fixed. Old raids and new battles are broken and need to be fixed. And most of all we need challenging new group raids and instances with which to take our currently-OP characters-with-nothing-to-do because riding around the countryside looking at each other's cosmetics and ponies is boring.

If you want to fix the little patchy stuff over the next year that's fine. Please share your plans to create raids and instances or basically we're still stuck with nothing to do here and no reason to log in.

[RicardoFurriel]

Because players aren't lawyers which makes them confused about the issues, further players are listening to sensationalist MMO news sites which hyped this boring issue by asking "is lotro shutting down in 2014".

We've had a license agreement all along with options to extend it. That means it is pretty much automatically extended as soon as it is asked for (and the fee is paid). So then the non-lawyer players ask "why not extend now for all the remaining years?" in which case notice that part about paying the fees. Companies don't like to spend money significantly earlier than they have to.

As for why it wasn't communicated clearly to non-lawyers and such; first it's hard to communicate this legal stuff, second it's legal stuff and most places don't like to communicate this stuff, and third it would be playing into the hands of the conspiracy theorists. Note that even after this was confirmed that people were not mollified but immediately started asking more questions or adding more accusations. There was never a reason to be skeptical unless suckered into it by those dubious web sites with ominous sounding headlines.

I like how you use the word "We" as you know all the ins and outs of this process. I understand to your eyes Turbine can do no wrong but your tone on this post is so incredibly one sided.

Also, you are calling Massively a dubious website? At least they show some interest (good or bad) in LOTRO. Other websites don't even bother anymore with reviews.

[Smehcoons]

More region content to me means quests and general epic lines through old areas perhaps. I want raids and instances.

I don't want iconic lore moments as filler. I want raids and instances.

I don't want more countryside to explore - especially in older areas where it won't be the latest ore with emerald shards, because right now that's end game, baby. I want raids and instances.

I don't care about housing and cosmetics and festivals and kin revamps. I want raids and instances.

We've had enough lackluster pseudo-content for the past two expansions. Classes are broken and need to be fixed. Old raids and new battles are broken and need to be fixed. And most of all we need challenging new group raids and instances with which to take our currently-OP characters-with-nothing-to-do because riding around the countryside looking at each other's cosmetics and ponies is boring.

If you want to fix the little patchy stuff over the next year that's fine. Please share your plans to create raids and instances or basically we're still stuck with nothing to do here and no reason to log in.

Pretty much this.

Having had some time to think about it, this may be the end of LOTRO for me altogether. By the time that they do make more MMO content (if they do), all the MMO players will have moved on (if they have not already).

[frickinmuck]

More region content to me means quests and general epic lines through old areas perhaps. I want raids and instances.

I don't want iconic lore moments as filler. I want raids and instances.

I don't want more countryside to explore - especially in older areas where it won't be the latest ore with emerald shards, because right now that's end game, baby. I want raids and instances.

I don't care about housing and cosmetics and festivals and kin revamps. I want raids and instances.

We've had enough lackluster pseudo-content for the past two expansions. Classes are broken and need to be fixed. Old raids and new battles are broken and need to be fixed. And most of all we need challenging new group raids and instances with which to take our currently-OP characters-with-nothing-to-do because riding around the countryside looking at each other's cosmetics and ponies is boring.

If you want to fix the little patchy stuff over the next year that's fine. Please share your plans to create raids and instances or basically we're still stuck with nothing to do here and no reason to log in.

Yeah, and fixing and refining the game is what this year is all about, so people can stop complaining about all the bugs and issues. Besides, no one knows exactly what the new content will consist of so there's no point in foreclosing on the whole year.

Raids and instances are only fun for about 4 or 5 runs and then that gets boring too, and becomes a grind. End game is never where the fun is in any game. Ever. Despite what some people refuse to accept. As I said earlier, those with diverse interests and playing styles will enjoy the game more. Those who are stuck on any one particular type of content are bound to be disappointed, sometimes for long stretches of time.

I've no doubt that people will leave, and have already left, because they are bored of the end game. But they'll be back. That's just the way it works with MMOs.

[Alex53]

Raids and instances are only fun for about 4 or 5 runs and then that gets boring too, and becomes a grind. End game is never where the fun is in any game. Ever.

Wow, I doubt I have ever read any statement on this forum that I disagreed with more than these.

You know what is really boring after 4 or 5 runs? The Skirmishes and battles we have been given instead of dungeons.

I must have run The Rift 100 times over the years, and I wish it was still practical to get 12 lvl50s to go to the place.

I am not going to say I hate questing, but the best quality gaming and most fun I have had in this game has always been at end game, at level cap, doing 6-man or 12-man instances with a group of people, learning to get the best out of my chosen class, being a part of an organised team with a plan, to beat a challenging boss.

Without new 6-man or 12-man instances that is being taken away from us, and I for one am already seeking that in other games.

[RicardoFurriel]

I've no doubt that people will leave, and have already left, because they are bored of the end game. But they'll be back. That's just the way it works with MMOs.

If I was running a company I'd never have this "wishful thinking type" train of thought. You're basically assuming old customers will be back regardless. I'm not so sure WB Corp. thinks that way.

[Ferathyr]

I've no doubt that people will leave, and have already left, because they are bored of the end game. But they'll be back. That's just the way it works with MMOs.

They won't be back until whatever made them leave in the first place is changed. If they left because of the trait trees only changing them is going to bring them back, if they left because of a lack of raids at max level then only new raids are going to bring them back, etc etc.

It is naive wishful thinking to claim that they will return just because "thats the way it works with MMOs".

[bobbylobs]

Good question - one you do not know the answer to any more than I do. Steam usage is no yardstick, since Steam is a relatively new and under-used means of accessing the game. But if you hate the game so much, why stick around and make those who do like it miserable? Is there not some better MMO for you out there somewhere? One that has everything you're longing for? If not, then it's pretty absurd for you to go on about how bad LotRO is.

I dont hate lotro, never said i have in fact, do i have some serious problems with how it is today and the HD expansion, yes very much so, and its not absurd in anyway for anyone to voice their displeasure about a game than it is for someone to keep coming on to threads and tell people that you love it, its an individual opinion, do you think constantly telling people who dislike something that you like it, is going to change their minds? that a switch is suddenly going to click and all is going to be rosey in their world too? It isnt.

You have no more right to come on here and say "I like bbs" than anyone who comes on here and says they dont.

[Bel-Astarte]

I'm a blueberry man myself...

One blueberry tart, coming right up...

Mind, it's still hot.

[frickinmuck]

They won't be back until whatever made them leave in the first place is changed. If they left because of the trait trees only changing them is going to bring them back, if they left because of a lack of raids at max level then only new raids are going to bring them back, etc etc.

It is naive wishful thinking to claim that they will return just because "thats the way it works with MMOs".

Yeah, I should have been clearer - they will be back when the end game beefs up again. That's always how it works with MMOs. People come and go almost entirely based on whether a particular game has any fresh content in their preferred area at any given time. I know a ton of people who just cycle through various MMOs, moving from xpac to xpac. It just seems to be the way things have shaken out for MMOs over the years.

Wow, I doubt I have ever read any statement on this forum that I disagreed with more than these.

You know what is really boring after 4 or 5 runs? The Skirmishes and battles we have been given instead of dungeons.

I must have run The Rift 100 times over the years, and I wish it was still practical to get 12 lvl50s to go to the place.

I am not going to say I hate questing, but the best quality gaming and most fun I have had in this game has always been at end game, at level cap, doing 6-man or 12-man instances with a group of people, learning to get the best out of my chosen class, being a part of an organised team with a plan, to beat a challenging boss.

Without new 6-man or 12-man instances that is being taken away from us, and I for one am already seeking that in other games.

The Rift is not end game, and hasn't been for ages. I still do the Rift and still enjoy it, but if it was all there was at end game I would have gotten bored with it for sure. The thing is, raids are a lot of fun, grouping is a lot of fun - the larger, more challenging the group, the more fun it is. I totally agree. But if that's all there is to do at end game - a raid or two - it does get played out fast. Maybe 4 or 5 times was an exaggeration, but truly, after a couple weeks of doing a raid, it does start to get very tired.

My entire point being that diversity of content is what's needed in order to keep a game exciting. It does suck that we aren't getting any new raids. That really limits what we can do and enjoy, and the #1 problem with no new raids or instances, to me, is the utter lack of challenge at end game. But I can at least appreciate the other types of content that are coming, and which we got in HD. I get it that not everyone shares my feelings on this, but that's where I'm coming from. I like variety and choice.

I dont hate lotro, never said i have in fact, do i have some serious problems with how it is today and the HD expansion, yes very much so, and its not absurd in anyway for anyone to voice their displeasure about a game than it is for someone to keep coming on to threads and tell people that you love it, its an individual opinion, do you think constantly telling people who dislike something that you like it, is going to change their minds? that a switch is suddenly going to click and all is going to be rosey in their world too? It isnt.

You have no more right to come on here and say "I like bbs" than anyone who comes on here and says they dont.

OK maybe you don't hate LotRO, but you've stated that you dislike the content, which for all intents and purposes, amounts to the same thing. But you are right, you haven't been making as many ragequit comments as others, and my comment was more of a response to them than to you so I should have recognized that and made my comment reflect that.

And if you've actually read any of my comments you will see that I am doing anything but trying to change other people's opinion of the game. I have done more to acknowledge the validity of people's disappointment with the newer content than the haters have done to acknowledge the validity of people's appreciation for that content. In fact, there have been plenty of insults hurled by various commenters about people who enjoy big battles, HD, housing and landscape content throughout this thread.

I believe all playstyles are valid, and no one should ever be denigrated for how they choose to enjoy a game.

[dannypl]

Yeah, and fixing and refining the game is what this year is all about, so people can stop complaining about all the bugs and issues.

I'm not trying to pick on you but seeing this is like an itch I just have to scratch... I really don't understand why there are players that actually buy this tripe. A year of fixing bugs? I understand completely that no game anywhere will be bug free...things happen especially with an MMO. But come on, what you're saying is they broke the game so badly it will take them another year to fix it? Why was it broken so bad in the first place? You know if GM sells a car and publicly says it will take them another year to get the transmission in working order that isn't acceptable, they sold a bad car period. It used to be reasonable and even accepted that turbine would release content AND make sure it was at least in working order...The fact that they can no longer do both is upsetting and IMO troubling for the future of the game.