Thread: Anniversary 2012 Developer Diary Feedback

This April, LOTRO celebrates the fifth anniversary of its launch. Incredible, isn’t it? What I believe makes this festival so special is that it directly relates to all of us. It wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for you! Read more in the first Dev Diary from Jared 'Sleepy' Saramago and post your comments here!

Omg the beer fight is back, I been waiting for so long

Do not let her near the beer! I repeat do not let her near the beer! lol :P

Its mine Goat, back off
-Gollum Voice- My precious

Thank you Jared(sure your name isn't Tom?) for shining a little light in the end of the tunnel in Middle Earth!!!! Fireworks, Glorious Beer, and horse races.....all of it sounds great.

I hope any beer fighting deed does not require us to win the expert version x number of times (or even just 1), because then we are more or less back to square one...

Looking forward to the events though.

I am glad to see the fireworks getting a little more attention. Its nice to see we will have a few new activities to play with. Being an avid role player and also being a member of one of the many great in game bands we have in Lotro, I have always enjoyed the fireworks as being part of our shows when we can afford or find them. I would like to see us be able to purchase more fireworks throughout the year. I also do so enjoy all the mounts each festival.
I must confess that it is the music that hooked me and a combination of role play and putting on concerts with the band, is what keeps me here. So I must ask. Are we ever going to get any attention again in the music department? I know most of us cannot stand that new, out of tune, over loud, glorified kazoo. (By the way. If you was to ask us, most would say we wanted a fiddle or violin type). It needs fixed! More than that though is the fact that we are limited in our octave range. Couldn't someone there work on this for us as well. Another octave up and down would do so much for the bands of Middle-Earth. I can say as for myself, I have had to shelve numerous songs over the octave range. If these little things was to be addressed and fixed. I could honestly say it would breath another few years of life into the bands.
Well, enough of my begging and pleading. My last words shall be of praise. Thank you guys and gals for the best game out there. You have given us a great world and much great content to entertain ourselves with.

Your most mental of hobbits ~ Fincin of Landroval

Good work Turbine. It is nice that festivals are never just built and then left in the same original state.
Now if we could just give Housing and Fishing the same kind of love.

Originally Posted by Emere

... I have always enjoyed the fireworks as being part of our shows when we can afford or find them. I would like to see us be able to purchase more fireworks... Are we ever going to get any attention again in the music department? I know most of us cannot stand that new, out of tune, over loud, glorified kazoo. (By the way. If you was to ask us, most would say we wanted a fiddle or violin type).

Your most mental of hobbits ~ Fincin of Landroval

Two ideas for new hobbies: Instrument crafting and Fireworks maker!

I can hardly wait for the fireworks, and I like the idea of being able to participate. The different styles between men and hobbits sound like a nice touch.

I am wondering though: if men and hobbits have fireworks, and the dwarves (I assume) have beer, what will the elves be doing?

Originally Posted by bayareadodger69

Two ideas for new hobbies: Instrument crafting and Fireworks maker!

Firework maker, I could see but Instrument crafting is covered by Woodworkers.

Back on topic, this looks like a lot of fun! Can't wait to jump in and try it out.

Originally Posted by Ceremony

Its mine Goat, back off
-Gollum Voice- My precious

Step aside, amateurs, nobody outdrinks a hobbit!

I am less than one month shy of the 5 year anniversary rewards. Rather than be excited, now I'm actually more annoyed than prior to finding out about the rewards. It would be much more amazing if the 5 year rewards spanned the entire year of 2007, so you don't get people like me who miss out by less than a month.

I am only a couple months shy of the three year mark, myself.

Will the same steed and outfits still be rewarded when your account hits the appropriate age, or are the rest of us who didn't hear about LotRO until later in its life just out of luck?

Otherwise, fantastic festival!

Originally Posted by Irishbrwnie

I am less than one month shy of the 5 year anniversary rewards. Rather than be excited, now I'm actually more annoyed than prior to finding out about the rewards. It would be much more amazing if the 5 year rewards spanned the entire year of 2007, so you don't get people like me who miss out by less than a month.

No matter when the cut-off is, a good chunk of the population (on average, 1/12th or about 8%) will always miss it by less than a month.

I'm very interested in the participatory fireworks events this year!

Originally Posted by Fredelas

No matter when the cut-off is, a good chunk of the population (on average, 1/12th or about 8%) will always miss it by less than a month.

I'm very interested in the participatory fireworks events this year!

why not round if for the people less than half a month...

Originally Posted by Annariel

I can hardly wait for the fireworks, and I like the idea of being able to participate. The different styles between men and hobbits sound like a nice touch.

I am wondering though: if men and hobbits have fireworks, and the dwarves (I assume) have beer, what will the elves be doing?

The elves are leaving Middle-earth, they have no time and desire for festivals and those that still dwell in their havens will be likely singing hymns to Elbereth

Originally Posted by Irishbrwnie

I am less than one month shy of the 5 year anniversary rewards. Rather than be excited, now I'm actually more annoyed than prior to finding out about the rewards. It would be much more amazing if the 5 year rewards spanned the entire year of 2007, so you don't get people like me who miss out by less than a month.

Yeah...I checked my account after getting the email less than 2 weeks from the 5 year award now my excitement has turned to angst!

Originally Posted by Annariel

I can hardly wait for the fireworks, and I like the idea of being able to participate. The different styles between men and hobbits sound like a nice touch.

I am wondering though: if men and hobbits have fireworks, and the dwarves (I assume) have beer, what will the elves be doing?

Not much really. For an Elf, a 5 year anniversary would be like celebrating the passing of another month. Try a 500 year anniversary, that'll start to get some attention among them.

Originally Posted by Fredelas

No matter when the cut-off is, a good chunk of the population (on average, 1/12th or about 8%) will always miss it by less than a month.

I'm very interested in the participatory fireworks events this year!

As someone mentioned and other games have implemented...rather than have these rewards be a one time deal, maybe they can be a "hit the mark" situation. People will still have to have played 5 years to get these rewards, and people like me with that measley month can still get the steed, being the steed lover I am a month down the road. It's kind of lousy to spend 5 years in a game (or extremely close to it) and miss the reward mark by a matter of days never to have the chance. They sell out steeds people work their butts off in reputation in the store, but they won't consider implenting player loyalty rewards as a long-time incentive to remain active? I remember playing eq2, you hit a subscription mark and get rewards, people didn't miss out. I believe other games do that as well. I am all for the festival, but the rewards ought to be permanently implemented, it's still rewarding long-term loyalty.

I'm thinking that if you have to have played for at least 5 years on the 5th anniversary... then you will have had to played for longer than it has been live and really not many people will be eligible outside those that got the early access.

Does anyone know if the EU servers started at the same time as the US ? If EU was later, then even fewer EU players will get the 5 year gifts.

So I am curious as to what date they will count the years from.

Originally Posted by ''Cris'''

The elves are leaving Middle-earth, they have no time and desire for festivals and those that still dwell in their havens will be likely singing hymns to Elbereth

And yet they still find time to arrange for games of whack-a-shrew.

Really I just have a quick question/concern...

it seems as if only the 3yr and 5yr people are getting any truly worthwhile tangible rewards 3yr get loot box keys and 5yr get a steed will 4 and 5 year players also get loot box keys ie: the chance to get a Worn Symbol of the Elder King without spending TP on keys or are the 4-5 yr players just kinda supposed to be taking it with a grin? and the 4 year players not actually receiving anything tangible that is worthwhile?

-----oops double post------

Everything is looking great, and I'm definitely looking forward to the festival.

Now if only there were an anniversary festival mount for the ale association or inn league....hmmmm.......a drunk pony laden with ale and fireworks riding through the shire.....yeah that's not going to end well

You have been incapacitated by misadventure.

Hmm, azure clothing or lootbox keys... any pics yet so we know if we should laugh or cry at out leveling the keys?

Originally Posted by destraru

Really I just have a quick question/concern...

it seems as if only the 3yr and 5yr people are getting any truly worthwhile tangible rewards 3yr get loot box keys and 5yr get a steed will 4 and 5 year players also get loot box keys ie: the chance to get a Worn Symbol of the Elder King without spending TP on keys or are the 4-5 yr players just kinda supposed to be taking it with a grin? and the 4 year players not actually receiving anything tangible that is worthwhile?

Originally Posted by Newtoo

Hmm, azure clothing or lootbox keys... any pics yet so we know if we should laugh or cry at out leveling the keys?

"Each eligible player will receive the gifts for their highest year and all subsequent years"

Originally Posted by Irishbrwnie

I am less than one month shy of the 5 year anniversary rewards. Rather than be excited, now I'm actually more annoyed than prior to finding out about the rewards. It would be much more amazing if the 5 year rewards spanned the entire year of 2007, so you don't get people like me who miss out by less than a month.

Originally Posted by frayedknot

I am only a couple months shy of the three year mark, myself.

Will the same steed and outfits still be rewarded when your account hits the appropriate age, or are the rest of us who didn't hear about LotRO until later in its life just out of luck?

Otherwise, fantastic festival!

Just a couple months short of the 4 year here, it happens. I would have joined much sooner had I known about LotRO.

finally the "Firework" yes yes yes
I'm ready to use my Musical talent and dexterity to make real a unoforgettable Firework show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now is the time to light the Middle earth with the fire of the free people and send a unique warning to evil force "the free people are ready!"

Make the light of our firework to light all part of middle earth!!!!!!

Ok ok i know, i talk too much, now i go to study my new song!!!

Turbine, did you invite Gandalf with his cool Fireworks? I look forward to see that big Dragon thing he made at Bilbo's birthday ;-)

Originally Posted by Murky_Majare

I'm thinking that if you have to have played for at least 5 years on the 5th anniversary... then you will have had to played for longer than it has been live...

The date given for 5 years is 30th June - so 4 years 10 months - they are already allowing 2 months of extra people to receive the 5 year rewards.
(Not sure on the exact 'official' release date but it's before the end of April.)

Woo hoo! This will be my first anniversary festival and I am excited about it. One of my friends has been telling me about it since before he finally convinced me to play LOTRO. i can't wait to finally experience it.

Originally Posted by Murky_Majare

I'm thinking that if you have to have played for at least 5 years on the 5th anniversary... then you will have had to played for longer than it has been live and really not many people will be eligible outside those that got the early access.

Does anyone know if the EU servers started at the same time as the US ? If EU was later, then even fewer EU players will get the 5 year gifts.

So I am curious as to what date they will count the years from.

And will the start date of the EU actually be relevant? I ask as I have played since early access on the EU and have a lifetime sub, however my Tubine account doesn't reflect that at all, it only shows the day I created my Turbine account to transfer across!

I believe the launch date was the same for USA, EU, Australia and Japan (24th April 2007).

As mentioned on the 5th Anniversary Gifts page

I’m a European player who migrated from Codemasters last summer. Will I get anniversary gifts, too?

Yes! We have all the information we need to ensure that even migrated players will receive the appropriate gifts based on their eligible account age and status.

Originally Posted by Ghaarik

I believe the launch date was the same for USA, EU, Australia and Japan (24th April 2007).

Indeed, so by putting the cut-off at June 30th 2007, Turbine have already given a 'grace period' of two months.

I'm realy looking forward to this, hope it goes well.

Is there any way that an EU Lifetime Subscriber can find out exactly when they joined LOTRO? I "think" I joined in June 2007, but as it was 5 years ago almost, I'm not 100%.

[Edit] Never mind, I've just found an old old email from a friend talking about LOTRO and what we did over the weekend. That was sent to me on 25th of June 2007, so I'm sorted [/edit]

Will creeps get any gifts or benefit from the double exp ?

Five years, it's indeed unbelievable. It seems only yesterday I got slaughtered and eaten by Baugarch in Chetwood for the first time. Now I consider it my duty to warn young travellers if they venture in that forest.

I hope LOTRO can go on for years and years more. Since it has a specific fan base, being those who love Tolkien and his work, I hope this game will not die out like other games. Formerly Codemasters and still Turbine have been doing a good job shaping Middle-Earth from the far reaches of Forochel to the edges of Fangorn. I hope they can keep up and now that Rohan is coming out they do not rush the journey to Gondor and Mordor. There is more I'd like to see, especially Dale and the Lonely Mountain.

As for the Anniversairy: Awesome that the Beer Battle is back. I loved it last time .
And it's a great initiative to reward the old timers with those awesome character banners.

Originally Posted by zlayag

Turbine, did you invite Gandalf with his cool Fireworks? I look forward to see that big Dragon thing he made at Bilbo's birthday ;-)

"The finest rockets ever seen burst in colors of blue and green;
then after that were silver showers that came falling like a rain of flowers.."

I just had to.