Free To Play starting September 10, 2010

[Mrbloodworth]

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES
THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™ WILL BE FREE TO PLAY STARTING SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

Turbine and Codemasters to Release Free-to-Play Version of Award-winning Online Game Across North America and Europe

WESTWOOD, MA – August 18, 2010 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today that Turbine’s The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) will introduce its innovative new pricing model, allowing players to download the game and play for free and purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services a la carte from the new LOTRO Store starting September 10, 2010.
 
Extending its award-winning story, LOTRO delivers the ultimate adventure featuring the massive world of Middle-earth brought to life through state-of-the-art graphics and gameplay, and a rich set of features that until now could only be found in premium subscription-based online games.

“Our LOTRO beta program has been a huge success and we want to thank all of our players who worked with us to get the game ready for launch,” said Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of LOTRO, Turbine. “Our unique pricing model has revolutionized the industry and starting in September, players will be able to choose how they pay for and play one of the world’s best online games and we can’t wait to welcome millions of new players to Middle-earth!”

LOTRO will offer players unlimited choice!

    * Free means Free! – Players will download LOTRO by visiting www.lotro.com and join with millions of other adventurers as they explore the most complete and authentic recreation of Middle-earth ever created and participate in LOTRO’s award-winning epic story up to level 50 for free.
    * Visit the new LOTRO Store!  -- The LOTRO Store is loaded with thousands of convenience items as well as expansion packs, premium content, additional character slots, potions, character customization and more! The LOTRO Store is seamlessly integrated into the game and lets the player identify new and exciting ways to enhance and customize their experience using points which can be purchased in the store or earned through gameplay.
    * Be a LOTRO VIP! – Players who elect  to become a LOTRO VIP will have unlimited access to all premium content, receive priority server access, 5 character slots, a shared bank slot, and a monthly allotment of points to spend in the new LOTRO Store.

[Zetor]

You need to have an active sub when they do the f2p switch in order to get the turbine point bonus, right? 'Cos my sub runs out on Sept 6 ffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu  

edit: my sub actually runs out on Sept 6, and you need to have an active sub on Sept 7 for the headstart, ffffuuuu^2!

[Soln]

so who's continuing to play from here?  A poll on my guild from Elindilmir shows most people are "wait-and-see" but "not playing".  They either have done the Beta and want to see what happens with LI's and end game before going back, or they did not try Beta and want feedback before going back.

[Yegolev]

I'll be continuing my sub.

[ghost]

I have (had) a lifetime sub for some fuck all stupid reason that I bought back when they had that big sale on them.  I probably wont be picking this up again unless they add some interesting content and/or tone down the deeds.

[Mrbloodworth]

I'm a lifer, so none of this really affects me. I'm looking forward to the MvP revamp though. A good portion of the store items also interest me, like the horse quest skipping thing, and the deed reducers.

[Ingmar]

Yeah there's a bunch of store crap I want, I just have to avoid the temptation to put more money in for more points than I already get for the lifetime thing.

[Nebu]

I'm a lifer, so none of this really affects me. I'm looking forward to the MvP revamp though. A good portion of the store items also interest me, like the horse quest skipping thing, and the deed reducers.

When are you coming back.  The kin chat is dead without you to talk to.

As for me, I have a 3 month sub for $30.  I'll be on the next 3 month albeit spottily.

[Ingmar]

Doesn't Bloodworth only play like for one specified hour a week on Wednesdays or something at like 5 pm Eastern? I've literally never seen him on.

[Mrbloodworth]

Time is my enemy.

Doesn't Bloodworth only play like for one specified hour a week on Wednesdays or something at like 5 pm Eastern? I've literally never seen him on.

When I was very active, yes. I mostly duo-ed with my girl (Issa + a billion alts. I created a monster!) or trio with Rattran, I usually only have time for one game in my life, and I have been doing a round of various non-mmg games lately, also Wurm takes much of my free time. But i'm on a roll over there.

But we could definitely make a set day/time again. The best time for us would be Wednesdays between 6-9/10 EST. Let me talk to the little lady.

[Soln]

After reading fully all the Beta verbiage and player feedback I don't see the F2P plans as that bad.  Originally I was pretty skeptical, but other than pots and rep items it doesn't seem too bad an offering. Of course, we will have to see what Turbine actually ends up selling and what the new community will be like by Oct.10. My wife and I are still on the sidelines since before Vol3 launched.  Wait and see.

[HaemishM]

I'll be coming back when the F2P rolls out.

[rattran]

I'll be back more when I have some free time, right around when the F2P launches. Too much work and a girl are keeping me distracted now that I'm home.

[Azazel]

I'm subbed as a lifer as well, so I'm actually looking forward to using my theoretical money to buy more pretend space to put my imaginary junk in.

[Tannhauser]

I'm subbed right now and playing with a handful of friends.  Really looking forward to f2p and the offerings!  I hope I can buy a fast fucking mount and some hard to get traits and whatnot. 

The game has a bright future; Enedwaith, Isengard, Rohan and further on. 

[caladein]

I'll still have a month or so left on my sub when this rolls out and assuming things don't blow up catastrophically, I still see myself keeping it going.

[rk47]

I'm not really 'amazed' by the game so to speak, but there seem to be advantage in having the Mines of Moria for $39.99 before F2P starts - still considering. Trial Expires in 3 days - about to hit L30 and try out skirmish later.

Do I have to maintain subs to keep my extra char slots if I purchase Mines of Moria now and unsub during F2P?

[Tannhauser]

Pretty sure those extra slots are grayed out.

[Cheddar]

I got a new AC adapter, so will be back starting... tonight!   

[ghost]

I'm subbed as a lifer as well, so I'm actually looking forward to using my theoretical money to buy more pretend space to put my imaginary junk in.

If you like imaginary junk you should play minecraft.