LOTRO vs. Amazon’s Lord of the Rings MMO: The Battle for Middle-earth

LOTRO players can breathe easy as Standing Stone Games reaffirms the game’s longevity despite Amazon’s Lord of the Rings MMO buzz.

In a recent statement by game developer Standing Stone Games, they emphatically asserted that their popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) “Lord of the Rings Online” (LOTRO) will not be phased out despite the upcoming release of Amazon’s own “Lord of the Rings” MMO.

Responding to concerns from the gaming community, Standing Stone Games reinforced their commitment to the long-standing title, ensuring players that their beloved virtual Middle-earth will continue to thrive.

LOTRO, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary fantasy universe, has been enchanting players since its launch in 2007. With a dedicated player base and a richly detailed world, the game has stood the test of time. However, the announcement of Amazon’s ambitious “Lord of the Rings” MMO project, which aims to capitalize on the popularity of the franchise, raised speculation about the future of LOTRO.

Standing Stone Games community manager, addressed the concerns, affirming that they have no intention of discontinuing LOTRO. In a forum post, they stated:

We wanted to give everyone in the community an update and assure you all that LOTRO is not going away! Like you, we, and our partners at Middle-earth Enterprises are huge fans of LOTRO. It is beloved, it is sixteen, it is evergreen. LOTRO is like the long-lived Ents, Elves and Dwarves; and we mere mortals, are the stewards of LOTRO and its community. Standing Stone has every intention of growing and supporting this community. The road goes ever on…

Standing Stone Games

They don’t intend to give up on LOTRO just yet and are, in fact, committed to growing even more, as the statement reads.

To solidify their dedication, Standing Stone Games has unveiled exciting plans for the future of LOTRO in 2023. The development team is actively expanding the game’s world, introducing fresh storylines, and enhancing gameplay mechanics.

Additionally, they express heartfelt gratitude to the loyal community for their unwavering support and invaluable contributions, recognizing their instrumental role in the game’s resounding success.

Despite the anticipation surrounding Amazon’s MMO venture, which undoubtedly presents new opportunities for fans of Tolkien’s epic saga, LOTRO possesses its own unique charm and established player community. Standing Stone Games has a track record of providing regular updates, expansions, and engaging content to keep players immersed in their virtual Middle-earth experience.

In terms of player numbers, LOTRO has shown resilience and continued growth. According to recent reports, the game boasts a thriving player base of over 2 million registered accounts, and the numbers are steadily climbing. These figures indicate that the game remains relevant and appealing to a dedicated fan base that appreciates its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and deep lore.

It is worth noting that both Amazon’s upcoming “Lord of the Rings” MMO and LOTRO have the potential to coexist and cater to different player preferences. The two games can offer distinct experiences within the vast universe of Middle-earth, accommodating a wide range of gaming styles and interests.

In conclusion, fans of LOTRO can rest assured that the game is not facing extinction due to Amazon’s Lord of the Rings MMO.

Standing Stone Games has made a firm commitment to the continued development and support of LOTRO, ensuring that players can continue their adventures in Middle-earth for years to come.

With a thriving player community, plans for exciting expansions, and ongoing content updates, LOTRO stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy world.

As well as a new MMO from Amazon, the LOTR franchise has also recently launched a new mobile game The Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth which is being developed and published by Electronic Arts. If you want to give that one a try, make sure to check out our LOTR Heroes of Middle Earth tier list.


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About Stephen

Stephen - Meta Tier ListStephen has immersed himself in the world of gaming for over 20 years, starting his journey in the 90s with SEGA consoles. With a passion for hack and slash action RPG games, he finds himself drawn to titles like Torchlight, Grim Dawn, and Path of Exile. Stephen's love for FPS games is equally strong, as he honed his skills starting with the legendary CS 1.6 and continues to dominate in CS:GO. Destiny 2 has also captured his heart, with an impressive 1,000 hours invested in each of these games (yes, each!). When he's not slaying virtual monsters or leading his team to victory, you can find Stephen exploring the latest gaming trends and sharing his insights with fellow gamers.

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