Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Turbine hosts 300 job-seekers at Rhode Island hiring event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - landscape screenshot
If you were vying for one of the 50 jobs Turbine put up for grabs at last night's job fair, well, get in line. The Providence Journal reports that 300-odd people showed up at the event, a turnout that the paper says was "higher than expected."

How many of the 300 were 38 Studios refugees? That's hard to say since neither Turbine nor the job-seekers who came down wearing 38-branded jackets and sweatshirts would offer a comment. Turbine's Adam Mersky said the timing and the location of the meet-and-greet was no accident, as Turbine set up shop in a hotel mere blocks away from 38 Studios headquarters. "It's no coincidence that we're down here looking for talent," Mersky told the Journal.

MassivelyTurbine hosts 300 job-seekers at Rhode Island hiring event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-layoffsadam-merskyhiringmiscellaneousmmo-industryturbineTurbine-Entertainmentturbine-hiringWed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CNN observes the migration habits of the elusive wild gamer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/cnn-observes-the-migration-habits-of-the-elusive-wild-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/cnn-observes-the-migration-habits-of-the-elusive-wild-gamer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/cnn-observes-the-migration-habits-of-the-elusive-wild-gamer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PEACE!
We all know that one guy who flits between MMOs with the same attention span as an ADD goldfish on cocaine. Heck, we've probably been there ourselves a few times. Well, CNN's Geek Out blog has decided to take a look at the migratory patterns of the MMO gamer in his natural habitat, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. With the recent release of Star Wars: The Old Republic, gamers everywhere are deciding whether or not to migrate.

The author of the piece takes a look at the comparative subscription numbers of major players in the MMO game, and speaks to Warner Bros. Entertainment's Jim Drewry and Adam Mersky regarding how the folks behind Lord of the Rings Online deal with MMO migration. It's really a rather interesting look into the culture, so click on through the link below to give it a read.

MassivelyCNN observes the migration habits of the elusive wild gamer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskycnnculturegame-jumpinggaming-culturegeek-outjim-drewryjumping-shipmigratemigrationmiscmiscellaneousmmo-cultureTue, 31 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine: Subscription model isn't dead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/turbine-subscription-model-isnt-dead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/turbine-subscription-model-isnt-dead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/turbine-subscription-model-isnt-dead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online - dark elves
Turbine doesn't think subscription MMOs are dying, which might come as something of a surprise to fans of the pay-as-you-go business model that's spreading like wildfire across the Western MMO landscape.

"It's probably not right to say the subscription MMO is dying, it's probably more right to say the idea of forcing a player to only have one option for having to consume your content -- that's probably dying," says spokesman Adam Mersky in a piece at Eurogamer.

Mersky goes on to say that brave new business models are the norm across the entertainment spectrum, and he also claims that Turbine "certainly pioneered" free-to-play in the online gaming space (though it's worth noting that Funcom introduced a F2P option for Anarchy Online in 2004, five years before Dungeons and Dragons Online took the plunge).

Finally, the Eurogamer piece touches on the upcoming Menace of the Underdark expansion as well as the unnamed "future project" that the company first hinted about in 2009.

MassivelyTurbine: Subscription model isn't dead originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskybusiness-modelsddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playmenace-of-the-underdarksubscription-modelturbineTurbine-EntertainmentMon, 30 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Riding into Rohan: LotRO maps out 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/riding-into-rohan-lotro-maps-out-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/riding-into-rohan-lotro-maps-out-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/riding-into-rohan-lotro-maps-out-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Riders of Rohan
In the words of Frank Sinatra, 2011 "was a very good year" for Lord of the Rings Online. Executive Producer Kate Paiz and Director of Communications Adam Mersky sat down with us to talk about the future of the game, but before they got to the juicy details, they wanted to give a quick recap of the previous year for the game and the studio.

The big emphasis for LotRO in 2011 was the unifying of the global community and the release of the game's third (and best-selling) expansion, Rise of Isengard. While the aforementioned unification of the NA and EU sides of the game presented many challenges for the team including localization, it paid off in spades. Turbine plans to continue to add more payment options for those used to methods other than the ones currently available. The team was most proud of unveiling Saruman "in all of his glory" and the inclusion of free players into the sphere of Monster Play.

"The game definitely grew last year," Mersky said in response to a question about the current number of players. He noted that the playerbase has changed somewhat in the past two years, becoming more casual in some respects.

But it's time to move forward! Turbine is prepared to take LotRO players on a dizzying chase around the wilds of Middle-earth with a few significant changes and additions to the game -- and the release of the brand-new expansion later this year, Riders of Rohan. Mounted combat, ho!

Continue reading Riding into Rohan: LotRO maps out 2012

MassivelyRiding into Rohan: LotRO maps out 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acadam-merskyamon-henaragornasherons-callbig-teves-of-fangornfangornfangorn-forestfeaturedfifth-anniversaryfourth-anniversaryfrank-sinatragilmligreat-rivergreat-river-andulgrindaversaryinstance-finderkate-paizlegolaslord-of-the-rings-onlinelothlorienlotromounted-combatriders-of-rohanrise-of-isengardrohanrohirrimskirmish-soldiersoldiers-in-landscapessoldiers-on-landscapestolkienturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Convenience, not advantage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-convenience-not-advantage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-convenience-not-advantage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-convenience-not-advantage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

LotRO
Prior to Lord of the Rings Online's free-to-play implementation, players were raising concerns of potential abuse of the F2P model and the LotRO store in particular. The CM at the time, Patience, posted a now-infamous response stated that Turbine was about selling "convenience, not advantage" in the store. I thought it was a terrific stance to take (and still is, for any F2P MMO dabbling in microtransactions). It wasn't long, however, before the thread was purged from the forums entirely, although the playerbase has held on to those three words to this day.

That phrase has echoed in my head over the past week, ever since we heard that statted armor was coming to the in-game store. I've been among those who have championed Turbine's F2P model as the way to do things right -- to offer fluff, a la carte content and convenience without straying into so-called "pay to win" territory that has plagued cheaper games. But now I wonder if the new motto is "convenience and advantage," especially in light of several other questionable store selections that have been pushed through despite player resistance.

But let's concentrate on one topic today, that being the stat armor that's now available in the store. Is this strictly a "convenience" item that is meant to aid struggling lowbies, or does it represent the sale of a clear advantage for those who are OK with letting their money game for them? Are we making a mountain out of a molehill by discussing this, or is it far past time that something like this needs to be brought into the public discourse?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Convenience, not advantage

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Convenience, not advantage originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordoradam-merskycraftingddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playin-game-storelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-storepay-to-winsapiencestat-armorstatted-armorstoreturbineturbine-entertainmentSat, 21 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine: LotRO cash shop stat armor 'creates solutions for players']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/turbine-lotro-cash-shop-stat-armor-creates-solutions-for-playe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/turbine-lotro-cash-shop-stat-armor-creates-solutions-for-playe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/turbine-lotro-cash-shop-stat-armor-creates-solutions-for-playe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - someone's been drinking
It's been an interesting week for Turbine, and the development firm has spent some of it doing damage control resulting from its decision to sell stat gear in its Lord of the Rings Online cash shop.

As we reported last Friday, the company has reversed course, first by selling stat tomes and PvMP gear, and now with new low-level stat armor pieces. Turbine's Adam Mersky tells Gamefront that this is a matter of the firm looking out for its customers. "This is us coming up with solutions to problems players are reporting to us. We're trying to create solutions for players," he says, before stating that Turbine is "not averse to puling things off the store if they don't work."

What about the eventual sale of high-level stat gear? Mersky says Turbine has "no intention at this time of selling any raid gear in the store."

MassivelyTurbine: LotRO cash shop stat armor 'creates solutions for players' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskycash-shopcash-shop-stat-armorf2pfree-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropay-to-winslippery-slopestat-armorturbineTurbine-EntertainmentWed, 18 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

LOTRO
It's been a couple of days since the news broke that Lord of the Rings Online's Update 5 is going to be bigger than previously thought, with not only a new instance cluster but an additional book in the epic storyline and an Instance Finder system.

As Update 5 goes up on the test server for the remainder of the week, we got in touch with Turbine to talk about the details of this mountain of content heading our way, including an epic confrontation with Rise of Isengard's big baddie himself, Saruman. It wouldn't be a conference call without a few notable surprises as well, and Adam Merskey, Aaron Campbell, Jeff Libby, and Joe Barry were eager to share what the team has been working on for the first update after the expansion.

It's time to wave goodbye to the Rangers, stop putting off instance runs, and take the fight to the bearded dude himself. It's time for Update 5. Get all the skinny after the jump!

Continue reading Rings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5

MassivelyRings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-Campbelladam-merskydungeon-findereagleconentfeaturedgrey-companyinstanceinstance-clusterinstance-finderinstancesjeff-libbylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroorthancrangersrise-of-isengardsarumanthe-foundrythe-prince-of-rohantheodredtower-of-orthancupdate-5volume-3-book-5volume-iii-book-5Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Inside Isengard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/the-road-to-mordor-inside-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/the-road-to-mordor-inside-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/the-road-to-mordor-inside-isengard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online
It's one thing to sit down during a beta and poke around on your own, making educated guesses about why what went where and who what is wherefore. It's another thing entirely to pick up the phone and go, "Hey Turbine? Drop everything -- no, not your pants! -- and take me on a tour of Rise of Isengard! Um, magic word? Oh! Pretty please? With a cherry on top?"

The first approach is good, but I wanted to get a more in-depth look into the making of Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion from the people who actually made it. How does one approach fleshing out an area that received relatively little source support from the books? What is Turbine trying to do differently in its fourth year of LotRO development? And why should we be afraid of an old guy in a bathrobe who won't come out of his tower?

See? These are good questions to ask, which is why I sat down with Bob Hess, Aaron Campbell and Adam Mersky, who graciously took me on a whirlwind tour of Rise of Isengard. I wanted to cut through the PR-speak and learn about the real stories of the making of the expansion and what we'll be encountering within, and the devs were happy to oblige.

Hit the jump as we travel further down The Road to Mordor and take the Hobbits to Isengard!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Inside Isengard

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Inside Isengard originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbelladam-merskybetabob-hessdunlandexpansionfeaturedhorsesisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromountsndaopen-betaorthancrise-of-isengardrohanrohirrimsarumanturbineturbine-entertainmentwulfs-cleftFri, 09 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Four more years, four more years!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-road-to-mordor-four-more-years-four-more-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-road-to-mordor-four-more-years-four-more-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-road-to-mordor-four-more-years-four-more-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

While four years is not a nice round number -- or even a halfway number like five -- it's a substantial milestone for any MMORPG. Debuting in early 2007, Lord of the Rings Online introduced something we'd never seen before: a fully realized 3-D virtual Middle-earth where we could not only enjoy a deep MMO but explore the lands and meet the people we'd only read about before.

It might not be a universal truth that all LotRO players are big Tolkien fans, but I'm sure enough that it's a sizable chunk of the playerbase. There's something special about the IP that gives a weight and richness to the game, especially when a long-time reader of the books is given leave to actually go on adventures through Eriador, Moria and Mirkwood. It's a giant sight-seeing tour of lore, a thrill with every brush one has with the source material.

It's heady to consider that four years ago we were but starting on this journey, feeling out the mechanics of combat, crafting and pie-running. Four years later, LotRO has emerged to be one of the most significant MMOs of the past decade, growing strong with no signs of slowing down.

Hit the jump as we reminisce about the ups, the downs, and the off-the-beaten-path hikes of our beloved game as it celebrates its fourth anniversary.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Four more years, four more years!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Four more years, four more years! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-anniversaryaaron-campbellacadam-merskyanniversaryasherons-callatlas-of-middle-earthblizzardddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineepic-storylineeriadoreurogamerf2pfeaturedfourth-anniversaryfree-to-playgame-chroniclesjeffrey-steefeljrr-tolkienlegendary-itemslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrometacriticmiddle-earthmirkwoodmoriapvmpradianceseoulshadows-of-angmarskirmishessouth-koreatolkienturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswbworld-of-warcraftwowwow-cloneFri, 22 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, characters would use magical orbs known as palantírs to see and communicate with far away places. While Massively's own palantír is at the shop, we had access to the next best thing -- a one-on-two chat about Lord of the Rings Online's future with Turbine's Aaron Campbell and Adam Mersky.

A lot's been happening since LotRO's free-to-play version went online last fall -- the closest thing to a relaunch that this game is likely to ever see -- and both Campbell and Mersky have one important message for fans: We're just getting started. Even as the Turbine team gears up for LotRO's third expansion, Rise of Isengard, the devs want you to know that they're also dedicated to bringing a good amount of content between now and then.

Everything was on the table during this discussion, from this weekend's anniversary celebration to next month's update to the new expansion. Join us after the jump for a look through the palantír to see what information we can pry from the future!

Continue reading Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future

MassivelyThrough Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-man-raidaaron-campbelladam-merskyanniversaryattack-at-dawnbarrow-downsbeer-brawlbeer-fightcharacter-modelsdunlande3e3-2011echoes-of-the-deadentsered-luinevendimf2pfeaturedfourth-anniversaryfree-to-playgap-of-rohangiant-dragongolfgoonieshall-of-nighthalls-of-nighthousingicy-crevasseinn-of-the-forsakenisengardlevel-caplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromay-updatemirkwoodmounted-combatraidrevamprise-of-isengardRohirrimsarumanskirmishesthe-hobbitthe-riftthe-two-towerstreasure-huntturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-2update-3yule-festivalzone-revampThu, 21 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Redefining MMOs: More developers weigh in]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/redefining-mmos-more-developers-weigh-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/redefining-mmos-more-developers-weigh-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/redefining-mmos-more-developers-weigh-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

In 2009, the staffers of Massively were more than aware of the changes happening in the MMO industry. The game was changing; technology was allowing the MMO to step out of its turn-based comfort zone and take on new challenges. We began to see the MMO-shooter, the MMO-RTS, and the MMO-does-that-even-fit-in-a-genre. The staff penned a series of articles called Redefining MMOs. Have things changed in two years? On the surface, I'd say no. We still can't figure out exactly what an MMO is. If you ask six different people the same question, you'll get six different answers (if not more). In fact, while I was at PAX East, I did just that.

I spoke to six different designers: three from the most anticipated games of this year, two from studios that have been doing this MMO thing for a long time, and one from a studio that refuses to label its game as an MMO. After the break, find out what developers of Guild Wars 2, Star Wars: The Old Republic, City of Heroes, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Lord of the Rings Online, and Firefall have to say about the new definition of MMOs.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: More developers weigh in

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: More developers weigh in originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskyarenanetBioWarecity-of-heroesCity-of-Villainscohcolin-johansoncovcoxddodefinitiondefinition-of-mmodefinitionsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineEAeletronic-artsfeaturedfirefallGuild-Wars-2gw2james-ohlenlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromark-kernMike-Zadorojnymmo-definitionmmosnate-birkholzNCsoftparagon-studiosred-5-studiosstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTurbineWorld-of-WarcraftwowWed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine: LotRO revenue tripled since going F2P]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/turbine-lotro-revenue-tripled-since-going-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/turbine-lotro-revenue-tripled-since-going-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/turbine-lotro-revenue-tripled-since-going-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online's future is so bright, it's wearing shades these days. At least, according to a new interview at TTH, where LotRO's Kate Paiz and Adam Mersky opened up about the success of the free-to-play conversion. Turbine has seen LotRO's profits triple since F2P along with a huge influx of new players, and that spells good news for the future of the game.

The duo turned its attention to the upcoming year for LotRO, which includes the Rise of Isengard expansion. While Paiz and Mersky didn't indicate whether there would be any new zones between now and then, they did confirm that the epic story would be continued, leading up to the confrontation between the rangers and Saruman's growing forces. Rise of Isengard will feature a push to the south with the Dunland and Gap of Isengard zones, whereas Isengard proper will pit players against the foul forces of the Tower of Orthanc.

Isengard isn't the only thing players have to look forward to in the next year -- a big cosmetic system revamp is planned along with non-combat pets. Hardcore players also have a new raid cluster to look forward to before Isengard's release. Other possibilities for the future? Cosmetic weapons, a Rohan expansion and the Battle of Helm's Deep are all on the table.

[Thanks A Casual Stroll to Mordor!]

MassivelyTurbine: LotRO revenue tripled since going F2P originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskybattle-of-helms-deepcosmetic-outfitcosmetic-systemcosmetic-weapondunlandf2pfree-to-playgap-of-rohaninterviewkate-paizlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotronon-combat-petpodcastprofitsraidraid-clusterrise-of-isengardrohansarumantower-of-orthanctthturbinevanity-petThu, 06 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard is coming!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-rise-of-isengard-is-coming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-rise-of-isengard-is-coming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-rise-of-isengard-is-coming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

[Update: Made a clarification that there is no indication of "open-world" PvMP in the expansion.]

Times are tough in Middle-earth, even after the inexplicable appearance of several hundred thousand new adventurers this fall. The Fellowship of the Ring is broken, Sauron is rising in power, and the White Hand of Saruman is marching across the lands. Even the bravest and hardiest soldier of the Free Peoples cannot be blamed for feeling disheartened, especially in the face of the monumental struggle to come.

Welcome to the beginning of The Two Towers in Lord of the Rings Online. Welcome to Isengard.

The rumors are true: Next year we will be venturing into LotRO's third expansion, titled Rise of Isengard, to confront evil in its own backyard. While this may not be the Rohan or Gondor expansion that we've anticipated, Turbine is fairly confident that it will be well-received by players and will represent an ambitious step forward on (wait for it) the road to Mordor.

Turbine's Adam Mersky and Aaron Campbell were on hand to outline for us the company's near- and far-future plans with Massively, starting with the imminent November update and cruising all the way through 2011. Hit the jump as we look at interactive theater, busy bees, Monster Play improvements and, of course, Isengard.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard is coming!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard is coming! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbelladam-merskybreakingbusy-beecosmeticcosmetic-systemdourhanddungeonsdunlandeager-beaverenedwaithettenmoorsf2pfeaturedfedexfellowship-of-the-ringfirst-agefree-to-playgap-of-rohangondorikeaisengardjourney-to-winter-homelegendary-itemslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotromad-bagginsmiddle-earthmines-of-moriamonster-playnon-combat-petorthancoutfitpvmppvpraidsrandiancerise-of-isengardrohanrune-keepersarumanshadows-of-angmarsiege-of-mirkwoodstarter-zonestudly-mcawesometask-systemtasksthe-road-to-mordorthe-two-towersturbineTurbine-Entertainmentwardrobewhite-handwinter-homeyuleyule-festivalFri, 19 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Forum diving]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-road-to-mordor-forum-diving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-road-to-mordor-forum-diving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/the-road-to-mordor-forum-diving/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

[Special note: Obviously, the news that LotRO is going free-to-play hit after this article was already written, so stay tuned as we dissect what it means for existing and potential new customers next week!]

Lately, it feels like we're in a holding pattern for Lord of the Rings Online. The last major content patch, Volume III: Book 1, is fading into distant memory, and we're pushing into summer without definite news of the next update -- or better yet, the next expansion. Players are also nervous about any changes or new directions the game may take after the recent acquisition of Turbine by Warner Bros., and the silence certainly doesn't help any.

However, there's always hope in the darkest places of Middle-earth, and the same can be said for the game itself. The Summer Festival should be around the corner, and as for new news, Sapience handed out a bit of vague encouragement on the forums: "You guys know we're preparing an announcement. I can't give you a specific date as to when we'll make it, but I can say I just ran into Adam Mersky coming out of an E3 planning meeting and he was pretty stoked!"

While we continue the wait for the next step forward for LotRO, I thought it'd be a good idea to head over to the official forums and do a little diving for some of the more interesting topics and discussions bouncing around the LotRO community today.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Forum diving

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Forum diving originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speekadam-merskyburglarclass-feedbackcodemasterscosmetic-outfitdx-11e3easter-eggseueuropeforumsiconsleet-speaklord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-lotterymicrotransactionsofficial-forumsprofanity-filterrivendellsapiencesummer-festivalturbinevolume-3-book-1volume-iii-book-1warner-brosweathertopFri, 04 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO goes F2P: An interview with Turbine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/ddo-goes-f2p-an-interview-with-turbine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/ddo-goes-f2p-an-interview-with-turbine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/ddo-goes-f2p-an-interview-with-turbine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


As the news hit yesterday concerning Dungeons and Dragons Online going free-to-play, many MMO gamers collectively rejoiced, while others didn't. The idea of this hybrid business model is wonderful for those who have yet to experience DDO, as it now gives them a chance to play the game as long as they'd like, with no level cap restrictions for absolutely no cost. This means no credit card info changing hands, no commitments to a monthly fee and the implied need to "get your money's worth" and no real need to quit the game if you can't afford it. But it can't be that easy, can it? Well, there's a slight catch.

Current subscribers will see no real change in the game, as what they're paying for now is what's included in the new VIP model. The F2P players will not exactly have access to the same features for free, yet they can purchase as little or as much as they'd like in the Turbine store with Turbine points. This allows more casual players the chance to play the game and only pay for those features they know they'll use. To help explain this new system, and answer some questions we had, we had a chance to sit down with Adam Mersky, Turbine's Director of Communication, Kate Paiz, Senior Producer for DDO and Fernando Paiz, Executive Producer for DDO. Keep reading after the jump to find out what they had to say.

Gallery: DDO Unlimited

Continue reading DDO goes F2P: An interview with Turbine

MassivelyDDO goes F2P: An interview with Turbine originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskybusiness-modelsddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfeaturedfernando-paizfree-to-playkate-paizturbineWed, 10 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Lord of the Rings Online heading to Xbox 360]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/rumor-lord-of-the-rings-online-heading-to-xbox-360/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/rumor-lord-of-the-rings-online-heading-to-xbox-360/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/rumor-lord-of-the-rings-online-heading-to-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We've come across a rumor about Lord of the Rings Online over at Destructoid, from Brad Nicholson. If his information is correct, Lord of the Rings Online may have an Xbox 360 release in its future. Nicholson writes, "According to a reliable source, Turbine is currently eyeing their MMO, Lord of the Rings: Online, for an Xbox 360 release. The source added that Turbine has hit a snag, unrelated to the development process. Microsoft, allegedly, won't commit to allow Turbine to utilize a free-to-play model, which is what the developer desires for the console version of LotRO."

Nicholson writes that he contacted Turbine about the matter, but they neither confirmed nor denied that LotRO on 360 is in the works. Joystiq also got in touch with Turbine's PR director Adam Mersky, who stated, "We saw that rumor, too... We're not talking about what we're working on specifically, only that we're making a console MMO and actively working with Microsoft and Sony." Mersky added that their unnamed console project is progressing and that they'll have something to show by this summer.

MassivelyRumor: Lord of the Rings Online heading to Xbox 360 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskybrad-nicholsonconsoleconsole-mmodestructoiddirector-of-public-relationsfantasyjoystiqlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromicrosoftpr-directorrumorrumorssonyturbinexbox360Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xfire free to play vs subscription MMO debate today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/xfire-free-to-play-vs-subscription-mmo-debate-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/xfire-free-to-play-vs-subscription-mmo-debate-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/xfire-free-to-play-vs-subscription-mmo-debate-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you were a follower of the Xfire Debate Club before you'll be glad to hear that they're starting the Debate Club back up again, as of today. That's right, at 5pm EST / 2pm PST (22:00 GMT) today, you can join a group of MMO journalists, developers, and other industry insiders as we debate the ins and outs of free to play vs subscription models.

Some of the many points that will undoubtedly come up over the course of the Xfire debate are:
  • Free sounds good, but what are the trade-offs?
  • Does quality or quantity matter more?
  • Is one business model more sustainable than the other?
  • With Free 2 Play games becoming such a driving force, where do you see MMOs going in general?
I'll be there to speak as part of the Massively team, but we'll be fielding some questions from those who show up to participate as well. Among the other guests are Cody Bye from Ten Ton Hammer, Randall Price from ArenaNet, Arend Stührmann from CCP, Christian Wehrlin from Games Masters, Josh Sell from Aeria Games, Adam Mersky from Turbine, Fred White from YNK Interactive, and Tony Colafrancesco from MMO Life as special guest moderator.

With such a great group of panelists to debate this with, it should prove to be an interesting and lively discussion. So be sure to grab a copy of the Xfire client if you haven't already, and come by to discuss the future of MMOs with us!

MassivelyXfire free to play vs subscription MMO debate today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskyarend-stuhrmannchristian-wehrlincody-byefred-whitefree-to-playgamesmmommorpgrandall-pricesubscriptiontony-colafrancescoxfirexfire-debateTue, 24 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Jeffrey Steefel looks beyond Mines of Moria]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/lotros-jeffrey-steefel-looks-beyond-mines-of-moria/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/lotros-jeffrey-steefel-looks-beyond-mines-of-moria/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/lotros-jeffrey-steefel-looks-beyond-mines-of-moria/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


By now, we all should know quite a bit about Lord of the Rings Online's newest expansion, Mines of Moria, slated for release later this year. We know about the two new classes and the new area to explore, but what about the future after Moria? This has only been touched-on previously, but in two recent interviews with Executive Producer Jeffrey Steefel, we get word of Turbine's plans with the franchise.

First, Steefel mentions the fact that they're aiming to release another expansion this time next year, and that there will be several new books released between now and then. While this has been discussed before, he mentions the act that these books will all take place in and around Lothlorien. Does this mean we may see the next expansion focusing on Rohan? Oh, wouldn't that be amazing.

Continue reading LotRO's Jeffrey Steefel looks beyond Mines of Moria

MassivelyLotRO's Jeffrey Steefel looks beyond Mines of Moria originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskycodemastersjeffrey-steefellord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriarock-paper-shotgunstrategy-informerturbineFri, 26 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's exclusive interview with Turbine: Moria and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/massivelys-interview-with-turbine-moria-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/massivelys-interview-with-turbine-moria-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/massivelys-interview-with-turbine-moria-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Recently, we were fortunate enough to sit down with some of the fine folks at Turbine to discuss a few more details on their newest content patch and the future of Lord of the Rings Online. During this play session, we got a load of screenshots and an in-game video to document the amazing content that will launch with Book 14: The Ring-forges of Eregion.

The details of that play session are coming soon in another post and gallery, but for now, we'll tide you over with an exclusive interview with Jeffrey Steefel, Adam Mersky, Meghan "Patience" Rodberg and Aaron Campbell of Turbine. In it, we cover everything from the challenges Turbine may face with global distribution, to the reasoning behind introducing two new classes with Mines of Moria. Follow along after the jump for the complete interview.

Continue reading Massively's exclusive interview with Turbine: Moria and more

MassivelyMassively's exclusive interview with Turbine: Moria and more originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbelladam-merskycodemastersfeaturedinterviewjeffrey-steefeljoystiqfeatureslotrolotro-book-14meghan-rodbergmines-of-moriarune-masterturbinewardenSat, 12 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Adam Mersky on Turbine's E3 no-show]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/massively-interviews-turbines-adam-mersky/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/massively-interviews-turbines-adam-mersky/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/massively-interviews-turbines-adam-mersky/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As you may know, Turbine is becoming quite a force to be reckoned with in the MMO development industry. They began with their own titles (Asheron's Call 1 and 2) and have branched off into two of the biggest brand name IPs out there: Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons. Recently, there have been three large chunks of news to erupt from the Turbine PR volcano. The first of these being the fact that they received $40 million in investment funding from Warner Brothers for some unknown project. Now as you can imagine, the reason this news is so big, is because Warner Brothers owns the rights to many titles which could make very interesting MMOs. The most obvious of these would be Harry Potter, yet nothing has been confirmed or denied on that topic.

The second chunk of news is the fact that they're not attending E3 this year. Ordinarily, this wouldn't be big news at all, but with the recent ESA takeover and radical format changes of the once-popular electronics expo, we couldn't help but speculate on the trend of game developers looking elsewhere. The third piece of Turbine news is perhaps the largest with their recent confirmation on their development of an MMO for the console market.

So we had a chance to sit down with Turbine's Director of Public Relations, Adam Mersky, for a short interview to address these hot topics. We were both eager to set the record straight once and for all. Keep reading below the break for the complete discussion

Continue reading Massively interviews Adam Mersky on Turbine's E3 no-show

MassivelyMassively interviews Adam Mersky on Turbine's E3 no-show originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskyconsoleddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineexclusivefeaturedinterviewjoystiqfeatureslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroturbinewarner-brosThu, 03 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine still playing cagey over DDO console version]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/turbine-still-playing-cagey-over-ddo-console-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/turbine-still-playing-cagey-over-ddo-console-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/turbine-still-playing-cagey-over-ddo-console-version/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


First floated yesterday, the rumor that Dungeons and Dragons Online was going to be ported to consoles is still flopping around, gasping for breath, yet not entirely dead. According to an article on the Crispy Gamer site, Turbine Communications Director Adam Mersky has neither confirmed nor denied the rumor. He only states that they are working on a console title, whose announcement will come later this year.

Though the article seems to take it as read that DDO is not console-bound, Mersky's comment was not a flat denial, meaning that there is still a possibility that the franchise could find a home on one of the next-gen systems. Is this something that would be of interest? Would the console version's players be able to play against the PC version's players? Time will tell, and once it's been announced, so will we!

[Thanks, James!]

MassivelyTurbine still playing cagey over DDO console version originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskyconsolesddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinerumorturbineWed, 11 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine talks Korean LotRO, Book 11, Book 12, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/turbine-talks-korean-lotro-book-11-book-12-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/turbine-talks-korean-lotro-book-11-book-12-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/turbine-talks-korean-lotro-book-11-book-12-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's a lot of buzz going for The Lord of the Rings Online. Book 11 was recently released, and it was the game's biggest update so far. Book 12 is in the works. Most importantly from a big-picture standpoint, Turbine has secured deals to launch the game in the Korean and Chinese markets.

Turbine's Jeffrey Steefel and Adam Mersky talk to Ten Ton Hammer about all these things and more in a new interview. The Korean launch looks like it might go very well, and it appears that Book 12 will be all about "customization." We've already picked up some details about new options for player housing, but that's only the beginning. Players will soon be able to change their characters' hair at a barber shop.

Book 12 will also introduce some sort of system that will allow players to "maintain what they present outwardly to the other players and modify their stats in two different channels," meaning a player will have options if he or she really wants that new piece of armor that has great stats but that looks ridiculously out of place on his or her character.

Cool! No details yet on how exactly that will work, though.

MassivelyTurbine talks Korean LotRO, Book 11, Book 12, and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskyasiabook-11book-12chinacustomizationinterviewjeffrey-steefelkorealord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroten-ton-hammerturbineMon, 19 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO reps talk demographics, casual play, console plans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/lotro-reps-talk-demographics-casual-play-console-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/lotro-reps-talk-demographics-casual-play-console-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/lotro-reps-talk-demographics-casual-play-console-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yesterday Gamasutra published a five page interview about The Lord of the Rings Online with Turbine's Jeffrey Steefel and Adam Mersky.

According to the interview, one third of LotRO players are over 35 because the license drew people new to MMOs -- people who came for "The Lord of the Rings first, the MMO second." Fans of LotRO often claim the game's community is more mature than that of competing games. "Sometimes game communities can be rough, just because of the nature of the competitiveness and the nature of the age range of people playing, and this is a pretty mature, fun place to be a part of," said Steefel.

Steefel and Mersky also talked about the challenges of dealing with gold farmers, what the real definition of "casual games" might be, the pluses and minuses of adapting a famous work of literature, the competition, and Turbine's option to produce massively multiplayer games for consoles. As is the case with most Gamasutra interviews, the discussion is an excellent read if you want an inside look.

MassivelyLotRO reps talk demographics, casual play, console plans originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-merskyagecasual-gamesconsolesgamasutragold-farmersinterviewjeffrey-steefellord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromaturetolkienturbineTue, 06 Nov 2007 15:59:00 EST