Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, Warhammer Online, Opinion

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Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lord of the Rings Online, One Shots

We asked around with the staff, and one of the surprising things they really enjoy in Lord of the Rings Online is fishing! While it isn't necessarily one of the things that jumps to mind when many people think MMO, you have to admit, it's a relaxing way to enjoy your game while chatting with your friends. Today's One Shots comes to us from ReijMan, who was enjoying some down-time recently and writes: I'm sure you got a lot of nice LotRO piccies, and 30% of them [involve] fishing, but I wanted to share this one with you.

Do you have a favorite thing to do to just relax and spend time in your favorite MMO? Perhaps you're all action instead, opting to see just what you can and can't get away with solo. We'd love to see your favorite MMO places -- just send them to us here at oneshots AT massively.com along with a quick description.
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• LotRO Mines of Moria Screenshots

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Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lord of the Rings Online, Classes, Events, real-world, Expansions, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, Maps, Hands-on, Education

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What does success mean in MMOs?

Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer of Lord of the Rings Online, seems to be giving lots of interviews these days, but that's probably because it's convention season. When not pushing Mines of Moria, the coming expansion for LotRO, Mr. Steefel is busy thinking hard about how MMOs can reach out to the console market, and what success means in the MMO industry. Here are some of his more recent thoughts:

Eurogamer: How do you define success, though, when you don't have ten million players to brag about?

Jeffrey Steefel: The first threshold is, can you make a viable game, 90 per cent of people don't get past that. In some respects success is just getting past that. The next is, do you have an ongoing, viable, profitable business that is growing? Definitely hit that mark.

Are you considered one of the leaders in the space? No question we've hit that mark, in fact most articles that you guys and other write, if they're referencing a couple of MMOs it tends to be WOW and Lord of the Rings

And then, there's another level of success, which is reaching a certain mass-market critical mass, which to be totally fair, only Blizzard has achieved completely so far. We think that we are the game that has the most likelihood of being the second to do that, but we're not there yet.

That's a combination of expanding worldwide like we're doing - that's something that'll help expand the critical mass of LOTRO, it's definitely something that helped WOW tremendously, obviously. It's a challenge, but we're confident that we can get there, especially with something of this broad appeal and high quality.

The more and more I read what this guy has said, the more and more I tend to agree with him.

For the full interview, please check here.

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Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Business models, Interviews

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Filed under: Game mechanics, Warhammer Online, MUDs

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Yet again, lacking with USA info

Codemasters, the European distributors of Lord of the Rings Online are now taking pre-orders for Mines of Moria, the much anticipated expansion. Adding to the confusion of there being no information for USA preorders (since that is handled by Turbine) is the impression the source article gives implying that the expansion will be released in 50 days.

Take heed dear travelers of Middle-earth, for news of the greatest kind has been uttered by the town criers in the streets of Rivendale! The all-knowing and all-seeing Codemasters is kindly taking pre-orders for a new adventure which will take you and your Fellowship into the Mines of Moria. Start packing your trusty sword, healing potions, pocket items, bow, plenty of lembas, and lore-master’s cloak now because we will be leaving in mere 50 days, so prepare yourselves well.

Is that a European release date I spy? Even if you look into the Mirror of Galadriel, none can tell the future!

For more information, please check here.

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Opt-in for beta available

Turbine Entertainment announced today that the beta for Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria had entered the final beta stage. As part of this, Turbine is offering a opt-in to become a beta tester!

WESTWOOD, MA – August 29, 2008 – Turbine, Inc. announced today that The Lord of the Rings Online™: Mines of Moria™ has entered the final stages of its Beta Program and that players across North America and Europe are invited to sign up for a chance explore the dark majesty of the world beneath Middle-earth™. The Mines of Moria Beta Program is by invitation only and over time more and more players will be invited. Beginning today, players can register for a chance to participate in the Beta Program by visiting http://www.unlocktheminesofmoria.com.

“Mines of Moria extends the world of Middle-earth into the dark heart of the Misty Mountains where players will explore one of the largest underground worlds ever created. The Legendary Items system where players can craft unique and powerful weapons and armor that will grow in power and value is just one of the breakthrough features that will further establish The Lord of the Rings Online as one of the world’s premium online games,” said Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online. “Player enthusiasm continues to exceed our expectations at every milestone and we are very excited to enter this stage of our Beta Program and take the next major step toward our launch.”

For more information about the expansion, please visit Unlock the Mines of Moria.com.

For instructions on how to sign up for the beta, please follow these instructions at the LotRO Source at Ten Ton Hammer!

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