PC: Codemasters aims for million with LOTR Online

NCXCStud · 21-April-06, 12:47 PM

The target is WoW, says general manager of publisher's online gaming division.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GamesIndustry


	Vice president and general manager of Codemasters Online Gaming (COG), David Solari, has revealed a target of over a million players for the division's upcoming Lord of the Ring Online (LOTRO) title and admitted intentions to compete directly with Blizzard's genre-leading World of Warcraft. Full story at GamesIndustry

droeblek9 · 21-April-06, 02:16 PM

There's a reason why WoW is as successful as it is, and it's not commercial branding. WoW is an excellent game. It's not just the storyline, the UI (moddable), and the game dynamics, it's also that there is just so much to do in the game. From professions and crafting to gear hunting to the Auction Houses and beyond, this game is just packed full of features and content.
Is WoW perfect? Hardly, but it is an excellent product. In fact, the only downside for me are the graphics (not as much bling and realism - for lack of a better word - as i would like to see).

I'm not dissing LOTR, but a game that is going to go head to head with WoW (long term) is going to have to pack a hell of a punch. Aside from the obvious (game setting and storyline/content, graphics, game mechanics, and ease of user interaction), it's going to have to have a tremendous amount of varied content. While i'm definitely interested in LOTR, telling me that the game is set in a fantasy world based on Tolkien's novels isn't enough. For me, the determining factor is going to be content: how much can my toon do other than run quests, grind, and farm? Games that offer me something substantive to do, other than the norm, that directly affects my toon (crafted items, etc.) will definitely get my attention and quite possibly my business.

NCXCStud · 21-April-06, 02:19 PM

WoW is also the easiest MMO to get into and 'beat' (attain the highest level). This has put a lot of 'hardcore MMOers off that I've talked to because its too easy (i don't care, I had fun with it when I played it.

Going up against the 'big dogs' is good for Codemasters and Blizzard fans, the more competition between the two, the better the content, pricing, and overall experience :0

droeblek9 · 21-April-06, 02:39 PM

I definitely agree with you, there. One of the biggest things that balances out the what i see as WoW's weak points is the amount of content (not just storylines, but crafting, non-crafting professions, faction reputation and rewards, etc.). There's just a ton of stuff other than the "Go here, defeat x number of these, report back" speil, and because of that i have fun playing and the replayability is greatly increased for me.

For me, the setting is a good starting point, but when it comes right down to it, i want to hear about content and features: that's what gets me excited about a game.

As a side note, i just read the post about theStargate MMO: i'm definitely going to be following that one as it develops.

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21-April-06, 02:16 PM		#2 (permalink)
droeblek9 Warcraft Warrior	There's a reason why WoW is as successful as it is, and it's not commercial branding. WoW is an excellent game. It's not just the storyline, the UI (moddable), and the game dynamics, it's also that there is just so much to do in the game. From professions and crafting to gear hunting to the Auction Houses and beyond, this game is just packed full of features and content. Is WoW perfect? Hardly, but it is an excellent product. In fact, the only downside for me are the graphics (not as much bling and realism - for lack of a better word - as i would like to see). I'm not dissing LOTR, but a game that is going to go head to head with WoW (long term) is going to have to pack a hell of a punch. Aside from the obvious (game setting and storyline/content, graphics, game mechanics, and ease of user interaction), it's going to have to have a tremendous amount of varied content. While i'm definitely interested in LOTR, telling me that the game is set in a fantasy world based on Tolkien's novels isn't enough. For me, the determining factor is going to be content: how much can my toon do other than run quests, grind, and farm? Games that offer me something substantive to do, other than the norm, that directly affects my toon (crafted items, etc.) will definitely get my attention and quite possibly my business.

21-April-06, 02:19 PM		#3 (permalink)
NCXCStud Apex Tech Fanatic Supreme	WoW is also the easiest MMO to get into and 'beat' (attain the highest level). This has put a lot of 'hardcore MMOers off that I've talked to because its too easy (i don't care, I had fun with it when I played it. Going up against the 'big dogs' is good for Codemasters and Blizzard fans, the more competition between the two, the better the content, pricing, and overall experience :0

21-April-06, 02:39 PM		#4 (permalink)
droeblek9 Warcraft Warrior	I definitely agree with you, there. One of the biggest things that balances out the what i see as WoW's weak points is the amount of content (not just storylines, but crafting, non-crafting professions, faction reputation and rewards, etc.). There's just a ton of stuff other than the "Go here, defeat x number of these, report back" speil, and because of that i have fun playing and the replayability is greatly increased for me. For me, the setting is a good starting point, but when it comes right down to it, i want to hear about content and features: that's what gets me excited about a game. As a side note, i just read the post about theStargate MMO: i'm definitely going to be following that one as it develops.