Rumor: Lord of the Rings Online heading to Xbox 360
by James Egan 
Apr 4th 2009 at 4:00PM
Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO industry, Rumors
We've come across a rumor about Lord of the Rings Online over at Destructoid, from Brad Nicholson. If his information is correct, Lord of the Rings Online may have an Xbox 360 release in its future. Nicholson writes, "According to a reliable source, Turbine is currently eyeing their MMO, Lord of the Rings: Online, for an Xbox 360 release. The source added that Turbine has hit a snag, unrelated to the development process. Microsoft, allegedly, won't commit to allow Turbine to utilize a free-to-play model, which is what the developer desires for the console version of LotRO."
Nicholson writes that he contacted Turbine about the matter, but they neither confirmed nor denied that LotRO on 360 is in the works. Joystiq also got in touch with Turbine's PR director Adam Mersky, who stated, "We saw that rumor, too... 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 added that their unnamed console project is progressing and that they'll have something to show by this summer.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Graill said on 6:57PM 4-04-2009
So turbine thinks they are going to take a generation or two of FPS/action lovers and actually think LOTR will do well on the XBOX? or any console for that matter?
This is a laugh and a half. Knowing the devs that probably thought this up it makes sense, to see Turbine make boneheaded moves (or even consider) like this is entertainment indeed.
Of course if they are turning the XBOX version of LOTR into pvp fighting on an epic scale, Lore based on the books, action everywhere, danger lurking at every turn, consequences for actions taken........naw.
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starzzareblind said on 7:25PM 4-04-2009
I don't see why this wouldn't do well. X360 has alot of RPG lovers, and is going to have multiple online rpg's before the next system comes out. So I think it makes perfect sense.
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BIGGIN said on 8:06PM 4-04-2009
As long as there are separate servers (typically a given) and the core game client (more of a concern here for me as if they are the same all future design choices would be hampered to appease/work on the console), I gladly welcome my console brethren to Middle-earth.
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RogueJedi86 said on 9:34PM 4-04-2009
I'd actually prefer same servers. FFXI's servers are very thriving due to everyone(both console/PC and English/Japanese/European) on the same servers. If everyone is divided up, the player base seems smaller in general. Console players would complain that the game is empty when in fact the PC servers are thriving; they just don't realize.
Sure you get more immature brats on consoles(especially 360), but those kids will be bored of LotRO and leave in a few weeks, same as they did on the PC version. The game would quickly revert back to the mature player base after a few week period of the kids trying it out.
Lateris said on 8:24PM 4-04-2009
I kind of doubt this. I think it has nothing to do with LOTRO. I think it is a separate game.
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bak said on 10:59PM 4-04-2009
I could so very play this sitting on my couch enjoying my surround and HD set, voice chatting with my xbox LIVE party... very yes!
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rasb1 said on 7:50PM 4-05-2009
The free to play model will upset PC subscribers. For lifetime membership people though it won't be an issue.
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funtouchables said on 7:02AM 4-06-2009
Perhaps the X360 game will only have a few instances to get people interested in the PC version?
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