Thread: A slightly sad moment to share.

My thoughts on the state of the LoTRO store aside, I had to simply share a little moment I had the other day.

I got together with an old friend I hadnt seen in quite a while. (We used to play nintendo together years ago and some Everquest later on, for a little bit.)

So we did some catching up and then started talking about recent games.
I of course started blabbing on about how much I enjoy lotro.

He then said "Oh thats a no-pay game isnt it?"
I said "Yeah. It wasnt always, but recently changed over. They still have a subscription plan, and an in game store if you feel like it."
He then said "What kinda stuff is sold in the store?"
I said "oh I love to buy storage space, cosmetic outfits, extra port abilities, stuff like that. They have actual gear in their now too, which im not happy about."
Right away he dismissively said, and I quote; "Gear? Oh, its one of those eh? pfft no thanks haha"

So he started talking about another game hes been into lately.
And that was that.
All my years in the game and the experiences I couldve told him about were summed up and dismissed in his mind because of that one silly feature.
I felt really down about this.

There is a very clear stigma attached to games that sell real gear, items CENTRAL to character growth, for real cash. The game becomes something else when that line is crossed, for many many people.


I know you'll do what you want Turbine.
But I just need to make a request, as a longtime fan, who has always loved your game and supported it.
Take the gear out. Please just take it out.
Dont cross that line and turn into something else.
There are indeed very real negative effects from what you've done.