Turbine is looking to produce a console version of the Lord of the Rings Online. The developer is searching for console developers and already has rights to produce a Lord of the Rings MMO on consoles.
Even though MMO’s have always been one of the games that didn’t really go cross-platform, Turbine is keen to go where no-one has gone before. “We have the Lord of the Rings license for use on all platforms, and we’re determined to use it.” Turbine’s Jeffrey Steefel told Tweakers.net, a Dutch hardware site.
Although Steefel is positive about the challenges that a console version would bring, he is also aware of the lingering control issues; “Other developers have developed MMO’s for consoles before us, and not one of those games have been succesful. There’s a definite challenge there. We will also need to design a completely new interface. As opposed to a fully equiped keyboard and mouse on the PC, consoles only have controllers with a few buttons.”
Steefel didn’t answer the question if, or when a console version of LotRO would be announced or go into developement.
The Lord of the Rings Online on the PC is currently gearing towards the launch of the next free content update ‘The Ring-forge of the Elven rings” as well as its first full retail expansion pack “Mines of Moria”. Both are expected later this year.
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Comments:
zach:
Well I think Conan is the first next gen console MMO, dunno how good it is doing curently.
Freek:
Gameplay and graphics aren't really an issue. The problem is mainly the user interface. Like how are you going to check traits, open the different information menu's and how the hack do you control 20-odd skills with just one controller?
For the xbox they also need to figure out how to do online play. They can use their own servers on PSN and ask for subscriptions, but Xbox Live Gold already has its own servers and subscription.
zach:
Yea but for MMO's the xbox usually lets them use their own servers and you dont have to have a gold account. You just pay the regular monthy fee.
Lotrbiggestfan:
lol that sounds pretty cool i am pumped
zach:
I may actuall start plaaying again. lol
Freek:
And how would the console version be more attractive to the PC version? I wouldnt think the gameplay is going to be any different, and wouldnt even be surprised if they would integrate it with the current PC servers. Otherwise the world population could be pretty limited seeing as console games aren't usually MMO gamers.
zach:
i dunno I would just rather game on a console rather than a PC. Plus you wont have to worry aboutwhich settings to use it on, etc.
TokyoBlade:
As far as I'm concerned, PCs should have the only MMORGS... they just aren't as good on consoles :P
Freek:
Because they havent been tried right? Too many developers are trying 1:1 ports. Just look at EndWar, according to previews its better then most PC RTS's because the control system is just so much more intuitive.
zach:
I prefer gaming in on a console(wheter its playstation or xbox) rather than a pc. For one you have mabey 10 or so buttons not 110 and it makes it simpler. Its just my perosnal opinion though.
Freek:
I personally enjoy both equally. I can see the advantages on both sides, although I beleive a dediated console is a waste of equipement since a processor can do so much more then watch movies and play games.
The main issue is that because of the lack of hardware standards as well as the obvious piracy issues, gaming companies are shifting their focus to consoles. Nobody looks up when a top game like Assasins Creed, Bioshock and GTA IV is released on the console exclusively or released on the PC years later.
This is the primary reason I am shifting to a console. I think Turbine's main reason is simply because it broadens their potential audience significantly. MMO's have next to no issues with piracy, since only they can operate servers and the games are playable only after first connecting to the central account service, and then one of the game servers. As such the PC is still the realm of the MMO, and the RTS since RTS games have been designed using mouse and keyboard for years.
zach:
Yea, plus having a set specifications allows developers to improve over the years, and optimize for that console.