Recently, Managing Editor Jon Wood had the opportunity to sit down with Lord of the Rings Online Executive Producer Jeffrey Steefel to talk about what goes into the game`s updates, launch and the business of MMOs.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Jeffrey Steefel, the Executive Producer of Turbine’s Lord of The Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. As those of you reading this article are probably already aware, Turbine recently launched Book 12: The Ashen Waste, the latest in their line of free content updates. What you might not know is what goes into creating one of these new books. Struck with a sudden curiosity myself, that`s exactly what our conversation was about as we discussed updates, launch and even the business of MMOs.

Read the whole thing here.

Nice article.

Another nice article.  Thanks

I like how they launch with the core features and just keep adding as they go.  And the publishes are quality publishes, not merely a long line of bug fixes like some games.  Last publish I gained a lot since my main is a guard and I have a burg as well.  Also, I love to RP and FINALLY I can make my characters look the way I want.  This has added so much for me, you have no idea. 

Before I was unhappy with how my human male guard looked.  Now I pose him everyplace and take screenshots.  He looks heroic and handsome.  And my hobbit looks great too.    If I get the energy I'll post some pics later.

I am really looking forward to book 13, because with every publish I just become happier with the game.  I read that fishing would be added, but how will it be implemented?  And what other hobbies if any will be added?  Really I can't wait...but I have to dang it.

That's okay Turbine, take your time and put out another great publish...just don't take too long...pleaaase

awesome game, too bad one of their upper development staff is an indy kid.  

Interesting. Thanks for the article.

I must agree with other posters; LOTRO has become my fantasy MMORPG of choice, and I've tried basically everything since the original EverQuest.

For me, anyway, LOTRO strikes a good balance between action and story -- and adventuring in a game-world whose backstory makes deliberate sense really helps with my sense of immersion.

The creative quality of LOTRO, and the fact that the devs seem to care about their product as more than just a money-maker, is also fairly obvious. You can buy effort, but you can't buy dedication.

Lastly, most of the annoying, griefer-type MMORPG players seem to hate the game quite loudly, and they quit as soon as their free-month-with-purchase ends. To me, that's a good thing. More fun for those who do like LOTRO not to have those types around.

My opinions only. Your mileage may vary,

Thanks again for the glimpse at what what goes on behind the scenes at LOTRO,

LL

I knew there was something missing with those boars!  I told everyone in chat and they laughed at me.

Well, who's laughing now?  

How about an interview telling us what happened to Jeff Anderson? What effect did it have on Turbine/Lotro?

The content updates are great, coming back to the game I have found allot to do and allot of things in the world are more finished (IE camps etc) , The solo content really brought me back and if they keep adding more, I will definitly stay for the long haul.

My hours to play are usually an hour here or there and getting a group is not always an option, it is nice that I can now level at my own pace without being forced to do anything. Turbine, you got that one right you did ! Finally!