Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Treehouse Avatar Technologies sues Turbine over a patent granted in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/treehouse-avatar-technologies-sues-turbine-over-a-patent-granted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/treehouse-avatar-technologies-sues-turbine-over-a-patent-granted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/treehouse-avatar-technologies-sues-turbine-over-a-patent-granted/#comments Treehouse sues Turbine over a 2012 patentA company named Treehouse Avatar Technologies was granted United States Patent No. 8,180,858 in May of this year, which covers a "Method And System For Presenting Data Over A Network Based On Network User Choices And Collecting Real-Time Data Related To Said Choices," according to the patent's title. In other words, it covers a method of taking and tracking user choices over a network, a vague description to say the least.

Nevertheless, Treehouse has decided to use the patent to take on Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online creator Turbine, Inc., and has sued the game maker for infringement on a number of counts, including character attributes like Strength and Charisma. Specifically, Treehouse mentions "the feature of tallying the number of times the selected character attribute(s) have been selected by users of the game."

Too vague? That's for the courts to decide, apparently. Treehouse is aiming for a full injunction against Turbine from using the system described by the patent, and for "adequate compensation" in damages. The full complaint is available to read online.

JoystiqTreehouse Avatar Technologies sues Turbine over a patent granted in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infringementLord-of-the-Rings-OnlinelotropatentpcturbineFri, 12 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine brings Lost Legends of Eriador content update to Lord of the Rings Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/turbine-brings-lost-legends-of-eriador-content-update-to-lord-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/turbine-brings-lost-legends-of-eriador-content-update-to-lord-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/turbine-brings-lost-legends-of-eriador-content-update-to-lord-of/#comments Turbine has launched update No. 3 for Lord of the Rings Online, which adds the Lost Legends of Eriador to the free-to-play MMO. Along with new items available in the game's store, there are two new three-player instances to play through, including the Halls of Night, where an ancient Barrow-wight is hunting you and your party through in a dream, and the Inn of the Forsaken, a new dungeon with puzzles, riddles and even an underground ship to find.

The update also brings two new skirmish instances, Attack at Dawn and the Icy Crevasse, along with new purchasable character boosts and a scroll for sale that allows you to reset all your skirmish marks when used. The update is currently live -- while you're waiting for it to download, take a gander at the screenshots below.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Content Update 3: Lost Legends of Eriador

JoystiqTurbine brings Lost Legends of Eriador content update to Lord of the Rings Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentcontent-updatefree-to-playinstancesLord-of-the-Rings-Onlinelost-legends-of-eriadorlotrommopcskrimishesturbineTue, 24 May 2011 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine to take control of Lord of the Rings Online from Codemasters in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/turbine-to-take-control-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-from-codemas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/turbine-to-take-control-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-from-codemas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/turbine-to-take-control-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-from-codemas/#comments Starting June 1, Turbine will relieve Codemasters Online of all duties pertaining to Lord of the Rings Online in Europe. At that time, Turbine will merge its US and EU branches into one "mega-service" called LOTRO Global Service. Turbine expects there to be a bit of downtime for the game during this transition and will offer exact details on that at a later date. Additionally, EU players will need to migrate their account on over to the new service -- exact details on how to do so are forthcoming.

Turbine has published a pretty extensive FAQ on how this will all go down, so if you're currently using the Codemasters Online service in Europe, you'll definitely want to head on over and give it a read. Full press release is just past the jump.

Continue reading Turbine to take control of Lord of the Rings Online from Codemasters in Europe

JoystiqTurbine to take control of Lord of the Rings Online from Codemasters in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscodemasters-onlineeuropeLord-of-the-Rings-Onlinepcturbinewarner-brosWed, 27 Apr 2011 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine: Lord of the Rings Online monthly revenue has tripled thanks to freemium]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/turbine-lord-of-the-rings-online-monthly-revenue-has-tripled-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/turbine-lord-of-the-rings-online-monthly-revenue-has-tripled-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/turbine-lord-of-the-rings-online-monthly-revenue-has-tripled-th/#commentsIt may sound counterintuitive, but it seems that going free is a great way to make money. On the Ten Ton Hammer podcast, Turbine's Adam Mersky announced that monthly revenue has tripled for Lord of the Rings Online since the game went free-to-play in September -- "which is obviously making us very happy." The effects of the freemium transition were already noticeable in October, when revenue doubled.

Executive producer Kate Paiz said that Turbine is "super-pleased" with the response to the change. "We're getting so many new players in and the world feels alive and vibrant." We're convinced. Starting right now, Joystiq is going free-to-read. No longer will you have to pay a monthly subscription fee to read our content. We're looking into microtransaction-based quests and weapons.

JoystiqTurbine: Lord of the Rings Online monthly revenue has tripled thanks to freemium originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playLord-of-the-Rings-OnlinemmopcturbineTurbine-EntertainmentSat, 08 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online doubles revenue since going free-to-play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/lord-of-the-rings-online-doubles-revenue-since-going-free-to-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/lord-of-the-rings-online-doubles-revenue-since-going-free-to-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/lord-of-the-rings-online-doubles-revenue-since-going-free-to-pla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lord of the Rings Online Executive Producer Kate Paiz announced during a panel at GDC Online 2010 today that Turbine has done it again: Lord of the Rings Online has doubled its revenue and created over a million new accounts since going free-to-play early last month. That's the second MMO Turbine has taken from a paid subscription to a hybrid microtransactions-based business model, with Dungeons and Dragons Online doing the same thing last year (important to note: Paiz was in charge of both transitions, switching to LotRO in July). Paiz told us after the panel that LotRO wasn't in trouble, but rather that Turbine did the math and decided the switch would work. "We knew there was more out there for us," she said.

Paiz also shared that 20% of LotRO's former players have returned to the game since the switchover, and that the game has seen a 300% increase in peak concurrency, with three times the number of players online simultaneously, and a 400% increase in active players total. 53% of players have used the in-game microtransaction store (which sells everything from mounts and outfits to XP boosts and character slots), and as you can see above, extra storage slots are extremely popular in the store. And even paid subscriptions have increased. Turbine's lesson seems to be that, as Paiz said during the panel, "when you tell people you no longer have to pay for it, they come in droves."

JoystiqLord of the Rings Online doubles revenue since going free-to-play originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-online-2010kate-paizLord-of-the-Rings-OnlinepcrevenuesubscriptionsturbineThu, 07 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Lord of the Rings Online now free to play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/psa-lord-of-the-rings-online-now-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/psa-lord-of-the-rings-online-now-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/psa-lord-of-the-rings-online-now-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following in the footsteps of its fantasy MMO predecessor Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited, developer Turbine Entertainment has flipped the free-to-play switch for its Tolkien-based RPG, Lord of the Rings Online. Potential players can download the client from the game's official site and get started at zero cost. Of course, a number of bonuses such as "quest packs" can be purchased piecemeal from the Turbine Store -- or, you can sign up for a paid VIP membership and have access to all of the game's premium offerings.

Turbine will be promoting the game's new business model during this Sunday's episode of Family Guy using the trailer posted after the jump. We warn you: It may seem clever at first, but the vision of hairy ladyfeet might stick with you for longer than you'd like.

Continue reading PSA: Lord of the Rings Online now free to play

JoystiqPSA: Lord of the Rings Online now free to play originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinemmorpgpcturbineSat, 11 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online to go free-to-play this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/lord-of-the-rings-online-to-go-free-to-play-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/lord-of-the-rings-online-to-go-free-to-play-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/lord-of-the-rings-online-to-go-free-to-play-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following the success of its other MMO property, Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited, it's not surprising that Turbine has elected to make the three-year-old MMO Lord of the Rings Online free-to-play sometime this fall. At that time, players will be able to download and explore the game for free, with the option to purchase additional content, including expansions, quest packs, items and "account services" from an online storefront. Players will also have the option to become "VIP" members, which automatically gives them access to these items. Turbine did not specify if VIP membership was a one-time fee or an ongoing subscription cost.

If you're wondering how Lord of the Rings Online will operate under this new pricing structure -- well, Turbine probably is as well. Both parties' curiosity will likely be satisfied by a closed beta, which kicks off June 16.

JoystiqLord of the Rings Online to go free-to-play this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinemmommorpgturbinewarner-brosFri, 04 Jun 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online celebrating 3rd birthday with $10 subscription]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrating-3rd-birthday-with-10-subsc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrating-3rd-birthday-with-10-subsc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrating-3rd-birthday-with-10-subsc/#comments To celebrate the arrival of its third birthday -- or, as is more accurate when describing the age of MMOs, the third year it's managed to avoid the sweet release of a global server shutdown -- Lord of the Rings Online is seeing a temporary reduction in the cost of its monthly subscription fee. From April 26 to June 30, you can grab a three, six or 12 month subscription for LotRO for just $9.99 a month, down from the standard rate of $14.99 a month.

In addition, Turbine is turning up the rare item drop rate for monsters during the birthday festivities, and is providing each player with a skill which reduces the price of vendor goods by 20 percent. That's awfully nice of the studio, but aren't birthday-havers supposed to receive presents, and not give them? We're not complaining, mind you -- we just feel like we're taking advantage.

JoystiqLord of the Rings Online celebrating 3rd birthday with $10 subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaydiscountlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinemmommorpgsalesubscriptionturbineMon, 26 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood going live December 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/lord-of-the-rings-online-siege-of-mirkwood-going-live-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/lord-of-the-rings-online-siege-of-mirkwood-going-live-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/lord-of-the-rings-online-siege-of-mirkwood-going-live-december/#comments Have your frequent visits to the Mines of Moria and Mount Doom filled you with an inexorable case of the doldrums? Looking to get away to a hot vacation destination? The lush, arboreal lands of Mirkwood are ... well, they're pretty terrible. They're infested with monsters and unfriendly wildlife, and completely lacking in tropical luxuries. Still, they'll inject some fresh blood into the veins of Lord of the Rings Online when the appropriately-titled expansion, Siege of Mirkwood, goes live December 1.

The expansion will be offered as a download through online distributors for $19.99 -- though current LOTRO players who upgrade their subscriptions to a multi-month plan before October 31 will get the Mirkwood expansion for free. For more info on the expansion (as well as few special offers which will accompany its release), check out Turbine's recent press release announcement.

JoystiqLord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood going live December 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinemirkwoodmmommorpgrelease-datesiege-of-mirkwoodtolkienturbineTue, 29 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LOTRO free for lapsed players until Aug. 24, new subscriptions $10 per month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/lotro-free-for-lapsed-players-until-aug-24-new-subscriptions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/lotro-free-for-lapsed-players-until-aug-24-new-subscriptions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/lotro-free-for-lapsed-players-until-aug-24-new-subscriptions/#comments
A quick note for those who have been jilted by Lord of the Rings Online: It's ready to take you back. Not only that, but all returning users can play the game for free until August 24. Players with lapsed accounts will also be able to enjoy the new content found in the "Scourge of Khazad-dum" expansion and receive 25 percent bonus experience. Once the free period expires, players can rejoin the MMO for ten bucks a month.

If you're new to the game, you can still sign up for $9.99 a month, so long as you purchase at least three months in advance before September 30. Not a bad deal, unless you have something else to keep you busy.

[Via Massively]

Source - LOTRO.com -- Welcome Back Week
Source - LOTRO.com -- Stay Cool in Middle-earth

JoystiqLOTRO free for lapsed players until Aug. 24, new subscriptions $10 per month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommoturbineFri, 21 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Lord of the Rings Online expansion coming in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/next-lord-of-the-rings-online-expansion-coming-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/next-lord-of-the-rings-online-expansion-coming-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/next-lord-of-the-rings-online-expansion-coming-in-june/#comments
We've officially stopped keeping up with Lord of the RIngs Online, but the updates for the game just keep on coming, so we assume that someone out there is paying attention. So, we're going to do our part for the mysterious, silent fans by letting them know that the next free expansion for the game will arrive in June and will be called "Volume II: Book 8: Scourge of Khazad-dum."

... Wait, that's seriously the name? Jeez, no wonder we haven't kept up.

JoystiqNext Lord of the Rings Online expansion coming in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrlotrommoturbineFri, 29 May 2009 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Glu Mobile exec Nate Jones joins Turbine ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/former-glu-mobile-exec-nate-jones-joins-turbine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/former-glu-mobile-exec-nate-jones-joins-turbine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/former-glu-mobile-exec-nate-jones-joins-turbine/#comments Another executive has leveled up to MMO developer Turbine. Following recent appointments of Ken Surdan as operations vice president in March and ex-Flagship guys Dave Brevik and Jeff Lind last October, former Glu Mobile exec Nate Jones has joined Turbine as the company's new VP of corporate and business development. In his new job, Jones will look after licensing partnerships, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions for the company.

The position should be familiar to Jones, who previously served as Glu Mobile's vice prez of strategy and corporate development, a role which to our untrained ears sounds very much the same as his new duties at Turbine. Granted we're sometimes not up to speed on the latest corporate speak, so while this all sounds impressive in truth this could just be a fancy way of describing Jones' work as Turbine's newest sandwich artist. He picked a hell of a day to quit working at Glu.

JoystiqFormer Glu Mobile exec Nate Jones joins Turbine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommoturbineThu, 28 May 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: Lord of the Rings Online could carry a monthly fee on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/rumorang-lord-of-the-rings-online-could-carry-a-monthly-fee-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/rumorang-lord-of-the-rings-online-could-carry-a-monthly-fee-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/rumorang-lord-of-the-rings-online-could-carry-a-monthly-fee-on/#comments A little over a month after rumors started swirling about an Xbox 360 version of Turbine's Lord of the Rings Online MMO, GameDaily has obtained images from an online survey suggesting the unannounced game could carry a monthly subscription fee. Specifically, the survey asked, "Assuming that you liked the content and theme of this Lord of the Rings MMO for the Xbox 360, how likely would you be to purchase the game for $59.99, plus pay a monthly subscription of $12.99?"

According to GameDaily's report, the survey also inquires as to what respondees believe would be reasonable real-money prices for various microtransaction items -- armor and weapons, additional areas, new classes, etc. -- from the game.

This development comes one week after Turbine's VP of Product Development, Craig Alexander, said the company is developing its games for consoles during the MIT Business in Gaming conference. When contacted regarding the survey, the company's director of public relations, Adam Mersky, replied, "Turbine has always been focused on the customer and one of the ways we do that is through extensive consumer research. We won't comment on this research or any of our future plans at this time." Mersky previously told Joystiq that Turbine would have something to show for consoles "by summer," with more news due in "a couple of months." That was April; E3 is in June ... a couple of months later. Coincidence? Survey says: "no."

JoystiqRumorang: Lord of the Rings Online could carry a monthly fee on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroMicrosoftsubscriptionsurveyturbineXbox-360Wed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Lord of the Rings Online bound for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/rumor-lord-of-the-rings-online-bound-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/rumor-lord-of-the-rings-online-bound-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/rumor-lord-of-the-rings-online-bound-for-xbox-360/#comments
We've known since last summer that Turbine, developer of Lord of the Rings Online, is working on a console MMO -- just not what said game is. Enter Destructoid, which reports a rumor that the company is bringing LOTRO to Xbox 360.

We contacted Turbine for comment and spoke with its director of public relations, Adam Mersky. "We saw that rumor, too," he told us, adding, "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 said Turbine is "making good progress" on the title, but any rumors that a console version of LOTRO is close to finished are false. "We plan to make more noise in a couple of months," he responded when asked about its plans to unveil the title. Will it be at E3? "We'll definitely have something to show by summer," said Mersky.

JoystiqRumor: Lord of the Rings Online bound for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroMicrosoftmmorumorturbineXbox-360Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine names travel mogul as operations VP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/turbine-names-travel-mogul-as-operations-vp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/turbine-names-travel-mogul-as-operations-vp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/turbine-names-travel-mogul-as-operations-vp/#comments
There's a new sheriff in town at MMO factory Turbine. Well, sheriff is probably too strong of a word. How about deputy? Or, barring that, principal, maybe. Whatever the case, his name is Ken Surdan, and he's the dev's new VP of operations.

Surdan's duties will be many in the new role, from fostering customer relations to overseeing the global operations of each of Turbine's franchises, including The Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online and Asheron's Call. Now, looking over his resume, he doesn't have much -- well, okay any game industry experience. Still, the 15 year corporate vet has served in a number of high profile positions at such travel companies as TripAdvisor Media Network and National Leisure Group, making him the one to call on when execs want to get away ... even if he doesn't know his experience point from a platinum piece.

JoystiqTurbine names travel mogul as operations VP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroturbineTue, 10 Mar 2009 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Massively's exclusive pre-launch Moria interview with Jeffrey Steefel
Massively chats with Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer for Lord of the Rings Online the night before the release of LotRO's first expansion. Mines of Moria is now live, and from the sounds of things the servers and players are having a great time of it.
Massively's ArenaNet interview: The past, present and future of Guild Wars PvP
Massively catches up with ArenaNet Game Designer Isaiah "Izzy" Cartwright for a brief interview regarding the past, present and future state of PvP in Guild Wars. Follow along after the cut for the full interview and some exclusive PvP screenshots supplied to us by ArenaNet.
Massively checks in on The Agency with Lead Designer Hal Milton
Massively talks over the current state of The Agency's development with the animated and always-interesting lead designer Hal Milton. Hal shares with us a bit of insight into what they're currently working on, give us a few fun facts to chew on, and makes us actually look forward to next year's summer con season.

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaneteve-onlinefeaturedguild-warshal-miltonlord-of-the-rings-onlinemassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmines-of-moriaPCstar-wars-galaxiesthe-agencyTue, 25 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria launches!
The official patch notes are up on the forums, and the servers went live at midnight with all the new content! We've collected up all of our best pieces of news and information on Turbine's latest ... check it out!
EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey Launches!
Massively has been following the expansion's lifecycle since it was announced at this year's SOE Fan Faire, and today we've put together the best of all our content touching on this brand-new chapter in the EQ2 saga. Read on for all the details!
And the first World of Warcraft player to reach level 80 is...
Nymh, Human Warlock of the EU server Drek'thar (and the real-world country of France) became the first World of Warcraft player to reach level 80.
Further details emerge on the canceled Halo MMO
Shacknews had the chance to speak with Ensemble director of technology Dave Pottinger, who had quite a bit to say about the Halo MMO. The biggest surprise revealed was that the game had gotten a green light and was in development for a good length of time before leadership changed at Microsoft, and the title was canceled.
Cryptic may be porting Champions / Star Trek Online to the PS3
Cryptic Studios has shown their superhero game playing quite well on Microsoft's console at events all through the summer con season. Now it seems as though they're looking to bring those games to the PlayStation 3 as well.

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>everquest-2featuredhalo-mmolord-of-the-rings-onlinemassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmines-of-moriaPCthe-shadow-odysseyworld-of-warcraftWed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Warhammer Online's party hits 750,000 players
It seems like the forces of Order and Destruction have been busy recruiting, because Gamasutra is reporting that Warhammer Online is now partying hard at 750,000 subscribers strong.
Champions Online announces Closed Beta signups
Cryptic Studios has just announced that players can now sign up for a chance to participate in the first Closed Beta of their forthcoming superhero MMO, Champions Online, with the Beta beginning in mid-November 2008. Applications can be made at the official website. The Beta is for PC only.
Mines of Moria gets a November 18th release date
Mines of Moria, the first expansion for Lord of the Rings Online, has been given a release date of November 18th for both the NA and EU today. That means we're only about a month away from ten new levels, two new classes, legendary weapons, angry Balrogs and the under-mountain Dwarf kingdom of Khazad-dum.
Massively in Metropolis: DC Universe Online goes beyond questing
The folks at SOE Austin are looking to change the playing field fairly substantially with their superhero MMO title. In fact, in a number of ways they're looking to re-examine a lot of the basic elements we think of as part and parcel with the MMO package. One great example is the concept of questing.

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedlord-of-the-rings-onlinemassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmines-of-moriaPCwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Flagship execs recruited for new Turbine studio ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/ex-flagship-execs-recruited-for-new-turbine-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/ex-flagship-execs-recruited-for-new-turbine-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/ex-flagship-execs-recruited-for-new-turbine-studio/#commentsFiled under: ,

While Flagship's maiden voyage may have ended up as splintered wreckage at the bottom of the massively multiplayer ocean, a pair of its former crew have found safe harbor at fellow MMO studio, Turbine. The Lord of the Rings Online developer announced that former Flagship execs Dave Brevik and Jeff Lind have joined the company, and will help spearhead a newly opened studio in Redwood City, CA.


The pair is joined by industry vet and former Sniper Studios president and CEO, Matt McKnight, who will serve as the new studio's Director, while Brevik and Lind will take on roles as creative director and engineering director respectively. We offer congratulations and best of luck to all three gentlemen, though we're particularly interested in seeing what Brevik does with his new position. Creative director marks a change from his previous role as Flagship's chief visionary officer, a wise course correction given that his foresight apparently stopped just short of predicting his former employer's impending doom.

JoystiqEx-Flagship execs recruited for new Turbine studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeons-and-dragons-onlineflagshipflagship-studioslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroturbinewest-coastMon, 13 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO expansion Mines of Moria coming Nov. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/lotro-expansion-mines-of-moria-coming-nov-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/lotro-expansion-mines-of-moria-coming-nov-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/lotro-expansion-mines-of-moria-coming-nov-18/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you've been looking for an excuse to tend to your long-neglected digital pipe-weed garden, you'll have it on Nov. 18 when Lord of the Rings Online expansion The Mines of Moria arrives on shelves or on your hard drive. In addition to the titular mines, the pack also includes two new classes, ten more levels and a swan boat full of new quests.

Just how the $39.99 expansion will make its way to your computer is up to you. There's an early digital upgrade and two different retail SKUs, each with their own perks and bonuses, all of which you can read about right here.

JoystiqLotRO expansion Mines of Moria coming Nov. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansion-packlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriaPCturbineThu, 09 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
The Digital Continuum: Rock Band, the MMO
I've actually entertained the idea for a long time now, only to shove it aside as a crazy notion. But the thing kept popping back into the forefront of my mind so often that I couldn't discount it as happenstance. I've become enamored with the idea, because let's face it; a Rock Band MMO has the potential to ooze- no, to gush pure liquid awesome.
Massively's exclusive Mines of Moria dev tour
Earlier last month, Massively was invited to get a hands-on look at Mines of Moria, the first-ever expansion for Lord of the Rings Online with Turbine's Adam Mersky and Moria Producer Mike Jablonn. During this special dev tour, we were treated to many of the features of the new environments, new creatures, certain landmarks and the Legendary Item system.
Is LotRO coming to the console?
According to a job posting on Turbine's website, they're looking to hire a Senior User Interface Engineer who "may be refactoring existing user interfaces or implementing completely new user interfaces for systems such as combat, skills, inventory, treasure, and social systems." Does this mean LotRO?

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredlego-universelord-of-the-rings-onlinemassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmines-of-moriammosPCpoliticsrock-bandTue, 07 Oct 2008 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See first footage of LOTRO: Mines of Moria]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/see-first-footage-of-lotro-mines-of-moria/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/see-first-footage-of-lotro-mines-of-moria/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/see-first-footage-of-lotro-mines-of-moria/#commentsFiled under: ,


We might not be playing Tubine's massively multiplayer take on Tolkien's tale anymore, but we have to admit that the recently released fly-through of expansion Mines of Moria's Flaming Deeps area looks pretty spectacular. We've lovingly nestled it after the jump so you can see for yourself.

It doesn't hurt that the music makes us feel like we could punch an orc's head off with our bare hands, which, even for the beefiest Joystiq staffers, is a pretty tall order.

Continue reading See first footage of LOTRO: Mines of Moria

JoystiqSee first footage of LOTRO: Mines of Moria originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriaPCturbineTue, 09 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine working on console MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/turbine-working-on-console-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/turbine-working-on-console-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/turbine-working-on-console-mmo/#commentsFiled under: ,


Half-confirming earlier rumblings, Turbine has gone on record to state that they are actively developing a console-based MMO. It's not known at this time whether the title is, as rumored, a cross-platform console adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons Online, Lord of the Rings Online, or whether it is an entirely new title.

According to Turbine Communications Director Adam Mersky, the company intends to fill 100 new positions in 2008, with 60 slots already filled thus far this year. A significant investment from media giant Time Warner is largely the cause of this sudden growth, which proves promising for the MMO developer.

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqTurbine working on console MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dnd-onlinedungeons-and-dragons-onlinelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotr-onlineturbineWed, 11 Jun 2008 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools' Alert #9: Middle-Earth invaded by fowl creatures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-alert-9-middle-earth-invaded-by-fowl-creatures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-alert-9-middle-earth-invaded-by-fowl-creatures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-alert-9-middle-earth-invaded-by-fowl-creatures/#commentsFiled under: ,


In what's become de riguer for the folks at Turbine Software, this April Fools' Day sees the announcement of a brand new content update for Middle-Earth's MMO, The Lord of the Rings Online. Dubbed "The Battle of Amon Hen," the not-at-all-downloadable peckage introduces a new playable chicken class and an accompanying quest, "Crossing the Road." Penny-pinching players should be pleased to note that Turbine doesn't aim to recooperate any of the update's cost, offering it for the poultry fee of "free." We'd make another chicken joke, but we'd rather send you off to the game's official site and pass the buck-buck-buck.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqApril Fools' Alert #9: Middle-Earth invaded by fowl creatures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AprilFools08Lord-of-the-Rings-OnlineLOTROPCTurbine-SoftwareTue, 01 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO expansion takes players to Mines of Moria]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/lotro-expansion-takes-players-to-mines-of-moria/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/lotro-expansion-takes-players-to-mines-of-moria/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/lotro-expansion-takes-players-to-mines-of-moria/#commentsFiled under:


Good news for fans of the under-appreciated Lord of the Rings Online today: Executive producer Jeffrey Steefel has announced that the game's first expansion pack, The Mines of Moria, will be coming to your PC by the end of the year. Well, maybe not your PC. But you probably knows someone who plays it, right?

What's new? Well, the level cap's being raised from 50 to 60, so that's ... higher. Also you've got two new classes (the Warden and Runekeeper) and look for a brand new 'legendary' loot system, which will allow your items to evolve with a character as they're used. If you're choking on your Lembas bread with excitement, you might be able to track down some more details at this teaser site.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqLotRO expansion takes players to Mines of Moria originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriaturbineFri, 14 Mar 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine, Tolkien to stay in bed together until 2014 (and beyond)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/turbine-tolkien-to-stay-in-bed-together-until-2014-and-beyond/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/turbine-tolkien-to-stay-in-bed-together-until-2014-and-beyond/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/turbine-tolkien-to-stay-in-bed-together-until-2014-and-beyond/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You know what it's like when it's early morning and so toasty under the covers snuggled up against that someone special that you just don't see any reason to get out bed. We imagine that's a lot like the relationship between The Lord of the Rings Online developer Turbine and Tolkien Enterprises, as the pair have agreed to extend their relationship until 2014 -- with an option to work together for three more years after that -- ensuring that players will be able to continue to frolic and grind their way through Middle Earth.

We're very interested to see where Turbine takes the franchise going forward, especially after comments made by executive producer Jeffrey Steefel in January regarding the developer's console-based aspirations for the license. In addition, while no new game announcements have been made, the recent confirmation of a new 2-part Hobbit film finally getting underway would seem to make excellent fodder for the MMO developer, and we expect that the pair will continue to play footsie beneath the sheets for years to come.

JoystiqTurbine, Tolkien to stay in bed together until 2014 (and beyond) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelordoftheringslordoftheringsonlinelotrlotroPCtolkienturbineWed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST