From what I know amazon is partnering with Leyou, the parent company that owns a majority stake in Warframe developer Digital Extremes and Gears Tactics developer Splash Damage, is looking increasingly likely to be bought out by Tencent.
Dunno if this bodes well for the upcoming lotr mmo but not a fan of tencent tbh and amazon doesn't seem to have a good track record.
Post edited by Asm0deus on
Brenics ~ Just to point out I do believe Chris Roberts is going down as the man who cheated backers and took down crowdfunding for gaming.
From what I know amazon is partnering with Leyou, the parent company that owns a majority stake in Warframe developer Digital Extremes and Gears Tactics developer Splash Damage, is looking increasingly likely to be bought out by Tencent.
Dunno if this bodes well for the upcoming lotr mmo but not a fan of tencent tbh and amazon doesn't seem to have a good track record.
Amazon only partners in the short term. Eventually they either buy their “partner” out or they kick them to the curb.
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The show alone is going to cost $1 BILLION (for 5 seasons).
But I was really hoping they would aquire a studio to do the Middle Earth MMO... I have little faith in Amazon Game Studios. They have yet to make a successful game, and New World's flip flopping and year+ delay... and unknown/questionable staying power as an engaging MMORPG... serious doubts.
We know throwing $$ at an Mmorpg means nothing.
Isn't Athlon games the company that's actually making the mmorpg?
Since Athlon is owned by Leyou Holdings who were purchased by Tencent back in August the news of Amazon being only the publisher doesn't make for a warm fuzzy feeling about what direction this game will like go.
Their big claim to fame is buying out other F2P game companies such as Digital Extreme, (makers of Warframe) and others, but as for creating entirely new games let's say I have my doubts for sure.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
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I get triggered by the fact that Amazon insists on calling this a LOTR MMO. That's like calling an MMO set during the Holy Crusades a WWII MMO.
The Second Age is definitely more interesting overall, as long as you don't mind losing most LOTR characters and Hobbits in general. I'm not sure how much of a role Dwarves will play as I'm really not up on Tolkiens writings outside of the Hobbit and LOTR.
I'd LOVE to see a single player story based game set during the First Age when Morgoth had armies of Balrogs and others monstrosities.
The show alone is going to cost $1 BILLION (for 5 seasons).
But I was really hoping they would aquire a studio to do the Middle Earth MMO... I have little faith in Amazon Game Studios. They have yet to make a successful game, and New World's flip flopping and year+ delay... and unknown/questionable staying power as an engaging MMORPG... serious doubts.
We know throwing $$ at an Mmorpg means nothing.
Isn't Athlon games the company that's actually making the mmorpg?
I believe they are working with another big studio, although the last I heard that studio wasn't announced.(The Blue Turtle poster here would know)
Athlon alone doesn't really have the pedigree for a high budget MMO though. I'm just keeping my expectations low for the next few years.
I get triggered by the fact that Amazon insists on calling this a LOTR MMO. That's like calling an MMO set during the Holy Crusades a WWII MMO.
The Second Age is definitely more interesting overall, as long as you don't mind losing most LOTR characters and Hobbits in general. I'm not sure how much of a role Dwarves will play as I'm really not up on Tolkiens writings outside of the Hobbit and LOTR.
I'd LOVE to see a single player story based game set during the First Age when Morgoth had armies of Balrogs and others monstrosities.
You actually believe the lore won't be put to one side and Hobbits are in after all? If they don't make it in as a race for launch which would astonish me, they will be the first new race after launch. Marketing rules, lore has little place in todays MMOs sadly.
The problem is to most of you if it don't put up wow type numbers its not successful which is not true at all. Hundreds of MMOs are profitable and still releasing new content every year and everyone of them are a success. Just because you or me don't like them games or play them doesn't mean the thousands who do don't enjoy them.
The problem is to most of you if it don't put up wow type numbers its not successful which is not true at all. Hundreds of MMOs are profitable and still releasing new content every year and everyone of them are a success. Just because you or me don't like them games or play them doesn't mean the thousands who do don't enjoy them.
But to be fair to our posters that's the position gaming media takes too. You are not going to get this site talking about the success of any small MMOs they a seen as small fry.
I get triggered by the fact that Amazon insists on calling this a LOTR MMO. That's like calling an MMO set during the Holy Crusades a WWII MMO.
The Second Age is definitely more interesting overall, as long as you don't mind losing most LOTR characters and Hobbits in general. I'm not sure how much of a role Dwarves will play as I'm really not up on Tolkiens writings outside of the Hobbit and LOTR.
I'd LOVE to see a single player story based game set during the First Age when Morgoth had armies of Balrogs and others monstrosities.
You actually believe the lore won't be put to one side and Hobbits are in after all? If they don't make it in as a race for launch which would astonish me, they will be the first new race after launch. Marketing rules, lore has little place in todays MMOs sadly.
It would be REALLY odd to set an MMO in Middle Earth's Second Age and have hobbits running around with the elves and Numenoreans and such.
I'm not even sure why they want to set the MMO in that time period other than the fact that their show will also be set then. But several sources have stated that there is no actual connection with the show.
It's a good setting for a single player game, but tying an expensive MMO to a time period of Middle Earth unfamiliar to most people is quite risky.
I'm actually pretty excited to get details on the exact year the MMO will be set in at the start.
I need to do some research to find out if I'm wrong and that the game will not be set in the Second Age.
The show alone is going to cost $1 BILLION (for 5 seasons).
But I was really hoping they would aquire a studio to do the Middle Earth MMO... I have little faith in Amazon Game Studios. They have yet to make a successful game, and New World's flip flopping and year+ delay... and unknown/questionable staying power as an engaging MMORPG... serious doubts.
We know throwing $$ at an Mmorpg means nothing.
Isn't Athlon games the company that's actually making the mmorpg?
Athlon is a division of Leyou, but yeah they're "partnered" with Amazon for development.
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I get triggered by the fact that Amazon insists on calling this a LOTR MMO. That's like calling an MMO set during the Holy Crusades a WWII MMO.
The Second Age is definitely more interesting overall, as long as you don't mind losing most LOTR characters and Hobbits in general. I'm not sure how much of a role Dwarves will play as I'm really not up on Tolkiens writings outside of the Hobbit and LOTR.
I'd LOVE to see a single player story based game set during the First Age when Morgoth had armies of Balrogs and others monstrosities.
You actually believe the lore won't be put to one side and Hobbits are in after all? If they don't make it in as a race for launch which would astonish me, they will be the first new race after launch. Marketing rules, lore has little place in todays MMOs sadly.
It would be REALLY odd to set an MMO in Middle Earth's Second Age and have hobbits running around with the elves and Numenoreans and such.
I'm not even sure why they want to set the MMO in that time period other than the fact that their show will also be set then. But several sources have stated that there is no actual connection with the show.
It's a good setting for a single player game, but tying an expensive MMO to a time period of Middle Earth unfamiliar to most people is quite risky.
I'm actually pretty excited to get details on the exact year the MMO will be set in at the start.
I need to do some research to find out if I'm wrong and that the game will not be set in the Second Age.
My understanding is both are set in the second age, that's the tie in. It would be really odd to see Hobbits running around in the second age, but increasingly games and TV do not care about lore. I was riding a chocobo in AC Origins a year back, who cares about lore, only us fans do.
I get triggered by the fact that Amazon insists on calling this a LOTR MMO. That's like calling an MMO set during the Holy Crusades a WWII MMO.
The Second Age is definitely more interesting overall, as long as you don't mind losing most LOTR characters and Hobbits in general. I'm not sure how much of a role Dwarves will play as I'm really not up on Tolkiens writings outside of the Hobbit and LOTR.
I'd LOVE to see a single player story based game set during the First Age when Morgoth had armies of Balrogs and others monstrosities.
You actually believe the lore won't be put to one side and Hobbits are in after all? If they don't make it in as a race for launch which would astonish me, they will be the first new race after launch. Marketing rules, lore has little place in todays MMOs sadly.
It would be REALLY odd to set an MMO in Middle Earth's Second Age and have hobbits running around with the elves and Numenoreans and such.
I'm not even sure why they want to set the MMO in that time period other than the fact that their show will also be set then. But several sources have stated that there is no actual connection with the show.
It's a good setting for a single player game, but tying an expensive MMO to a time period of Middle Earth unfamiliar to most people is quite risky.
I'm actually pretty excited to get details on the exact year the MMO will be set in at the start.
I need to do some research to find out if I'm wrong and that the game will not be set in the Second Age.
My understanding is both are set in the second age, that's the tie in. It would be really odd to see Hobbits running around in the second age, but increasingly games and TV do not care about lore. I was riding a chocobo in AC Origins a year back, who cares about lore, only us fans do.
I did some quick research but have found no confirmed info on the timeline. I am concerned with the fact that the studio that is making New World is also working on this Middle Earth MMO.
I get triggered by the fact that Amazon insists on calling this a LOTR MMO. That's like calling an MMO set during the Holy Crusades a WWII MMO.
The Second Age is definitely more interesting overall, as long as you don't mind losing most LOTR characters and Hobbits in general. I'm not sure how much of a role Dwarves will play as I'm really not up on Tolkiens writings outside of the Hobbit and LOTR.
I'd LOVE to see a single player story based game set during the First Age when Morgoth had armies of Balrogs and others monstrosities.
You actually believe the lore won't be put to one side and Hobbits are in after all? If they don't make it in as a race for launch which would astonish me, they will be the first new race after launch. Marketing rules, lore has little place in todays MMOs sadly.
It would be REALLY odd to set an MMO in Middle Earth's Second Age and have hobbits running around with the elves and Numenoreans and such.
I'm not even sure why they want to set the MMO in that time period other than the fact that their show will also be set then. But several sources have stated that there is no actual connection with the show.
It's a good setting for a single player game, but tying an expensive MMO to a time period of Middle Earth unfamiliar to most people is quite risky.
I'm actually pretty excited to get details on the exact year the MMO will be set in at the start.
I need to do some research to find out if I'm wrong and that the game will not be set in the Second Age.
My understanding is both are set in the second age, that's the tie in. It would be really odd to see Hobbits running around in the second age, but increasingly games and TV do not care about lore. I was riding a chocobo in AC Origins a year back, who cares about lore, only us fans do.
I did some quick research but have found no confirmed info on the timeline. I am concerned with the fact that the studio that is making New World is also working on this Middle Earth MMO.
I have just found some links from last year saying the TV series will be second age. I have also found links saying the game will be set before the events in LotR, that could just be early third age mind you. NW shows these guys will change mid-stream so would not be surprised if the time setting changed before launch.
If it is Ok to totally change the appearance of younger Dwarves so you can have a romance between an Elf and a Dwarf, anything goes. Early Artherdain may have a Hobbit as part of the royal family, they had Tryion in GoT and look at how well that worked. Like I say it is down to marketing and focus groups these days, I will only believe the series and MMO are decent lore wise after I have seen/played them.
I have also found links saying the game will be set before the events in LotR, that could just be early third age mind you.
Baby Bilbo? The Middlelorian?
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Although they can fiddle with lore quite a bit, it would be interesting to see Middle Earth Enteterprises (aka the Tolkien estate that manages the copyright) stipulations on bastardizing it too much.
Although they can fiddle with lore quite a bit, it would be interesting to see Middle Earth Enteterprises (aka the Tolkien estate that manages the copyright) stipulations on bastardizing it too much.
Christopher Tolkien had guarded the lore for decades, he launched a legal objection against The Hobbit, but by then he was in nearly in his nineties. I think by then he just wanted to ensure the most money he could for his families estate. But prior to this he really did keep the lore forefront in the treatments of JRR Tolkien's work, though in his seventies you could see him letting go of the reigns with the Lotr films for example.
So the field is now open to anything really and todays TV and films are quite revisionist, so who can tell what they will throw at us?
Although they can fiddle with lore quite a bit, it would be interesting to see Middle Earth Enteterprises (aka the Tolkien estate that manages the copyright) stipulations on bastardizing it too much.
The Shadow of Mordor games are fun but totally ignore the lore. There are probably even bigger violators out there that I'm not aware of. MEE has no connection to the estate, but the Tolkien Estate does have exclusive rights to most material on the Second Age. Although the LOTR appendices does leave some room, quite a bit actually in terms of names and major events. But since Amazon already made a deal, the first ever for something like a TV show or game involving material published after Tolkiens death, with the estate for the show I doubt there would be issues.
Although they can fiddle with lore quite a bit, it would be interesting to see Middle Earth Enteterprises (aka the Tolkien estate that manages the copyright) stipulations on bastardizing it too much.
I think what will be more interesting to watch is *if* the Tolkien estate maintains two MMORPG licenses. I'd almost be willing to bet (someone else's money, naturally) that Amazon would pressure the Tolkien estate to have LotRO shut down should they don't revoke the SSG license.
Logic, my dear, merely enables one to be wrong with great authority.
Although they can fiddle with lore quite a bit, it would be interesting to see Middle Earth Enteterprises (aka the Tolkien estate that manages the copyright) stipulations on bastardizing it too much.
I think what will be more interesting to watch is *if* the Tolkien estate maintains two MMORPG licenses. I'd almost be willing to bet (someone else's money, naturally) that Amazon would pressure the Tolkien estate to have LotRO shut down should they don't revoke the SSG license.
Supposedly the fact Star Wars Galaxies shut down five days before SWTOR launched had nothing to do with the launch of the new game (apart from potential movement of players), there was no shenanigans behind the scenes. I still find that hard to believe, fingers crossed that Lotro does not go the same way.
Although they can fiddle with lore quite a bit, it would be interesting to see Middle Earth Enteterprises (aka the Tolkien estate that manages the copyright) stipulations on bastardizing it too much.
MEE has no connection to the estate, but the Tolkien Estate does have exclusive rights to most material on the Second Age.
TS, it's simply incorrect: "Middle Earth Enteterprises (aka the Tolkien estate that manages the copyright)", hence
We're not gonna take it, no, we ain't gonna take it (great band )
Middle-earth Enterprises (formerly known Saul Zaentz Co.) has the rights of LotR and Hobbit. They license LotRO among many other games, as they did the movies, etc.
(but not that abomination, the reskinned Batman Arkham / Assassin's Creed game Frodo mentioned... that's why it had nothing to do with LotR and used a made-up, stupid fairy tale storyline about the elven ghost butchering hordes of orcs, and possessing bodies.)
The Tolkien Estate has the rights to everything Tolkien, minus LotR and Hobbit in games, movies, etc.
That's why they're the partners of Amazon in the upcoming show, the Second Age (on screen, games, etc.) is theirs to license out.
And also that's why Scot's SWG vs. SW:TOR example ain't fit, nor:
I'd almost be willing to bet (someone else's money, naturally) that Amazon would pressure the Tolkien estate to have LotRO shut down should they don't revoke the SSG license.
The Estate couldn't pressure LotRO's shutdown even if they wanted to. It's in MeE's hands.
The most the Estate can do related to digital LotR is raising concerns or going to court when they feel the IP gets harmed, to enforce some changes like they did with that slot machine mobile game.
Although they can fiddle with lore quite a bit, it would be interesting to see Middle Earth Enteterprises (aka the Tolkien estate that manages the copyright) stipulations on bastardizing it too much.
I think what will be more interesting to watch is *if* the Tolkien estate maintains two MMORPG licenses. I'd almost be willing to bet (someone else's money, naturally) that Amazon would pressure the Tolkien estate to have LotRO shut down should they don't revoke the SSG license.
Supposedly the fact Star Wars Galaxies shut down five days before SWTOR launched had nothing to do with the launch of the new game (apart from potential movement of players), there was no shenanigans behind the scenes. I still find that hard to believe, fingers crossed that Lotro does not go the same way.
Hmm. Licenses exist for a set time period. I wonder if they are just skirting around the fact that they knew the license wouldn't be renewed because of SWTOR. Or that it no longer made sense to renew themselves due to the license fees, knowing a huge competitor was just around the corner.
I have no idea what the current status of LOTRO's license is. The devs feel confident in being able to renew it for years to come.
MEE used to sell two separate game licenses, one for the books and the other for movie tie ins. There have been games that directly competed with each other such as the two RTS games: Battle for Middle Earth(movies) and War of the Ring(books). I believe they later just sold both sets of licenses together to EA and later to WB.
While we know that Amazon is dealing with the Estate for the television show. I haven't seen if this game requires a license with the Estate as well. If not, then I guess MEE could allow two LOTR MMOs to coexist. I thought I remember someone on this forum stating that the new MMO would be more action oriented.
But to be honest, most publishers would not want to pay for the rights to a MMO based on the LOTR itself, if LOTRO was allowed to continue. That would just not be smart business.
If I had to guess, it would be that the Amazon MMO is indeed set during the second Age and the only licensing required is with the Estate.
While we know that Amazon is dealing with the Estate for the television show. I haven't seen if this game requires a license with the Estate as well.
Not just you, I believe it wasn't stated - it's a confusing mess actually, at least if I haven't missed some info morsels.
Amazon secured the rights and started working on the show, backed by the Estate (naturally, since Second Age).
Not much later Athlon announced a LotR game, backed by MEE, around the "events leading to LotR".
Speculations were around young Aragorn, or the events between the Hobbit and LotR (since MEE only has access to those materials)
Then about a year later Amazon (as AGS now) announced the partnership with Athlon/Leyou, as a co-developer and publisher for (supposedly) the same project they've started a year ago. Neither MEE nor the Estate was mentioned.
And then the game was shifted back to Second Age for more alignment with the show, neither MEE nor Estate mentioned.
So, now it's hard to guess. If Athlon still has the MEE partnership (they're listed on MEE's page still), then it'd be difficult to put the game on the Second Age...
I cannot see amazon being faithful to existing Lore like original LOTRO did. Also, the LOTRO PVP was in one area, and with Amazon seeming to want to focus on a PVP game, I can see them try to make this a full PVP game.
The graphics will be much better than LOTRO though, so there is that.
Comments
Dunno if this bodes well for the upcoming lotr mmo but not a fan of tencent tbh and amazon doesn't seem to have a good track record.
Brenics ~ Just to point out I do believe Chris Roberts is going down as the man who cheated backers and took down crowdfunding for gaming.
All time classic MY NEW FAVORITE POST! (Keep laying those bricks)
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Their big claim to fame is buying out other F2P game companies such as Digital Extreme, (makers of Warframe) and others, but as for creating entirely new games let's say I have my doubts for sure.
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Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
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The Second Age is definitely more interesting overall, as long as you don't mind losing most LOTR characters and Hobbits in general. I'm not sure how much of a role Dwarves will play as I'm really not up on Tolkiens writings outside of the Hobbit and LOTR.
I'd LOVE to see a single player story based game set during the First Age when Morgoth had armies of Balrogs and others monstrosities.
I believe they are working with another big studio, although the last I heard that studio wasn't announced.(The Blue Turtle poster here would know) Athlon alone doesn't really have the pedigree for a high budget MMO though. I'm just keeping my expectations low for the next few years.
I'm not even sure why they want to set the MMO in that time period other than the fact that their show will also be set then. But several sources have stated that there is no actual connection with the show.
It's a good setting for a single player game, but tying an expensive MMO to a time period of Middle Earth unfamiliar to most people is quite risky.
I'm actually pretty excited to get details on the exact year the MMO will be set in at the start.
I need to do some research to find out if I'm wrong and that the game will not be set in the Second Age.
Just go away.
Athlon is a division of Leyou, but yeah they're "partnered" with Amazon for development.
Amazon's The Lord of the Rings Prequel: The Second Age Explained - IGN
Amazon's Lord Of The Rings MMO Is Looking For Senior Artists - KeenGamer
If it is Ok to totally change the appearance of younger Dwarves so you can have a romance between an Elf and a Dwarf, anything goes. Early Artherdain may have a Hobbit as part of the royal family, they had Tryion in GoT and look at how well that worked. Like I say it is down to marketing and focus groups these days, I will only believe the series and MMO are decent lore wise after I have seen/played them.
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?”
― CD PROJEKT RED
So the field is now open to anything really and todays TV and films are quite revisionist, so who can tell what they will throw at us?
Logic, my dear, merely enables one to be wrong with great authority.
I have no idea what the current status of LOTRO's license is. The devs feel confident in being able to renew it for years to come.
MEE used to sell two separate game licenses, one for the books and the other for movie tie ins. There have been games that directly competed with each other such as the two RTS games: Battle for Middle Earth(movies) and War of the Ring(books). I believe they later just sold both sets of licenses together to EA and later to WB.
While we know that Amazon is dealing with the Estate for the television show. I haven't seen if this game requires a license with the Estate as well. If not, then I guess MEE could allow two LOTR MMOs to coexist. I thought I remember someone on this forum stating that the new MMO would be more action oriented.
But to be honest, most publishers would not want to pay for the rights to a MMO based on the LOTR itself, if LOTRO was allowed to continue. That would just not be smart business.
If I had to guess, it would be that the Amazon MMO is indeed set during the second Age and the only licensing required is with the Estate.
The graphics will be much better than LOTRO though, so there is that.