LOTRO, Daybreak Game Company and Enad Global 7

December 03, 2020 / Roger Edwards

It has long been suspected that Daybreak Game Company owned Standing Stone Games and was more than just their publisher. However, being a private company, DGC has been exempt from public scrutiny. Infact, they’ve gone out of their way to keep their cards close to their chest in recent years. Press releases and tweets have been posted and then deleted to try and cover their tracks. To quote Lord Melchett from Blackadder, DGC “twist and turn like a ... twisty-turny thing”. It’s all been somewhat unseemly but at the same time great fun to speculate about. However, on Monday 1st December, Swedish games company Enad Global 7 (EG7) announced that they were buying DGC. Furthermore, as EG7 are a publicly owned company, information about them is freely available. Hence an investor presentation was posted on their website, rich with details of their new acquisition.

1 Comment 5 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, LOTRO, Standing Stone Games, Daybreak Game Company, Enad Global 7

A Month in Gaming

December 01, 2020 / Roger Edwards

November proved to be a very productive month, gaming wise. I had to self isolate for 14 days, due to coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. Hence I had far more leisure time than usual. For a second month I applied myself to progressing through the new “mini expansion” in The Lord of the Rings Online. The new zone is a two phase map. The first is Elderslade, a mountainous region to the North of the Wells of Langflood. This area contains mainly story quests. The second phase, called War of Three Peaks, is the same zone but during a period of open war between the Dwarves and the Orcs. Quests here are mainly repeatable slayer and achievement quests. I did not discover this until I had completed the first round, so to speak, only to be offered exactly the same quests again by an NPC. As I had reached maximum rank in reputation for this new faction and there were no rewards of any note for me to spend my barter currency upon, I simply stopped playing through this content.

Comment 2 Likes

categories / Gaming, A Month in Gaming, November 2020, LOTRO, Neverwinter, Star Trek Online

Video Game Tutorials, Again

November 30, 2020 / Roger Edwards

I’ll try and keep this post concise so it doesn’t sound like a rant. It is intended to be a legitimate complaint. I just find it dispiriting that this topic has raised its head yet again. I am currently playing the MMORPG Neverwinter, a game I haven’t touched for 7 years. I created a new character and am currently working my way through the low level quests. So far the game has had a few tooltips appear on screen and the occasional voice over pointing out issues of importance. Overall, I have seen neither hide nor hair of what I would define as a tutorial. I have managed to bluff my way through the game so far, by drawing upon my experience in other MMOs. As this is a game developed by Cryptic, there are elements of the interface that are similar to Star Trek Online. However, this and my general knowledge of other genre games can only help me so far. I knew that sooner or later, I was bound to be flummoxed by something and today this finally occurred.

1 Comment 3 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, Neverwinter, Cryptic, Tutorials

Return to Neverwinter

November 25, 2020 / Roger Edwards

I originally tried the MMORPG Neverwinter during its beta test in early 2013 and having checked my original notes I wrote at the time, I enjoyed it. I think the main reason I didn’t persist with the game was due to not having a major connection to the franchise and that there was a lot of competition from other MMOs at the time. If memory serves my only niggle during the beta was that you couldn’t use your skills while moving. Combat is therefore a question of running, attacking and then repositioning your character. Although you can dodge or perform a variation thereof, fighting in the game is not what I would define as “action combat”. It is more of a hybrid of old and new MMO fighting styles. However, that notwithstanding, I decided to finally re-install the game and give it another go. A lot has happened in the intervening 7 years and Neverwinter is now more polished and has a lot more content to offer.

1 Comment 3 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, Cryptic, Neverwinter

Should You Have Expectations of Other Players?

November 24, 2020 / Roger Edwards

Just for a change, Star Trek Online has another event. “Best Served Cold” is a Task Force Operation in which the 5 players must prevent a prison break from the Klingon gulag Rura Penthe. Complete this TFO 14 times and you can earn rewards including a Nanopulse Targ Combat Pet. If you feel disposed to do so, you can set up a private group and complete this with friends. However, most players simply use the auto-group facility that the game offers. As the interdependency of all classes has diminished in STO, there is no obstacle to quickly joining a pick up group. More often or not, there is little or no criteria for failure for these TFO’s so some players will group and do as little as possible. In some events in STO it is possible to join a group and go AFK. The activity will complete regardless of player participation and all then receive the designated reward.

5 Comments 3 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, Pick Up Groups, LOTRO, Star Trek Online, Expectations

"Why Am I Doing This?"

November 20, 2020 / Roger Edwards

In-depth story quests, complex systems and incrementable progression are the foundation of the MMORPG genre. The player explores the virtual world, undertakes quests, earns gear and advances through various systems that improve their stats. It’s a formula that has been tried and tested over more than two decades. It works and keeps millions of players engaged with their MMO of choice. However, no matter how much new content developers add to an MMO, there are always a percentage of players that quickly complete it and demand more. The genre is a time sink by nature and many players are happy to do exactly that. Therefore, the most practical way to address this dilemma is to attempt to slow player progression. Hence time gating, making required items “rare” and making content repeatable are just some of the ways developer’s can extend a game’s longevity. And so “grinding” has also become an integral aspect of these games.

Comment 2 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, Why Am I Doing This?, LOTRO, Star Trek Online

LOTRO: Revisiting Landscape Soldiers

November 11, 2020 / Roger Edwards

In March 2012 Turbine released Update 6: Shores of the Great River for The Lord of the Rings Online. This included the ability to summon your Skirmish Soldiers while playing PVE content. Prior to this you only had access to your soldier when playing skirmishes. Whether this was done to compete with other MMOs that have companions or crew such as Star Wars: The Old Republic or Star Trek Online is not clear. It may have been a purely financial decision, as tokens offering an hour’s access to your skirmish soldier soon appeared in the LOTRO store. Like all changes made regarding LOTRO, opinions were divided at the time. Where I saw this as an increase in player choice, others perceived it to be another step away from the spirit of an MMO and further evidence of the solofication of the genre. Eight years later, one thing is certain. Having access to Skirmish Soldiers throughout the game in general, is not the same as having a full blown companion that single player games and some MMOs offer.

Comment 4 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, LOTRO, Landscape Soldiers, Skirmish Soldiers

The Problem With War of Three Peaks

November 09, 2020 / Roger Edwards

Some readers may see the title of this post as an inference that there is only one problem with the latest “mini expansion” for The Lord of the Rings Online. That is not the case. However, I don’t hold developer’s Standing Stone Games responsible for the debacle over the pricing for the three different editions. That is something I lay at the door of financiers and publishers, Daybreak Game Company. For the purpose of this blog post, I wish to focus upon the lacklustre content of Update 28: War of Three Peaks and how it becomes quite clear which material was developed as part of a regular content update and what was then added to potentially try and justify the term “mini expansion”. Furthermore, I see this drop in quality as being a real threat to the future prosperity of LOTRO. I am a long time fan of this MMO, albeit one with a sense of perspective. I’m halfway through the new zone and I’m not having fun. I’m sure I am not alone in this.

4 Comments 5 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMO, LOTRO, Standing Stone Games, Update 28, War of Three Peaks

LOTRO Classic

November 03, 2020 / Roger Edwards

In the last month or so, I’ve spent some time perusing the official forums for the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online. It suffers from many of the shortcomings you find on fan driven gaming forums, insofar as it’s monopolised by a small cadre of partisan minded players that are not an especially broad cross section of the LOTRO community. However, a wide range of thoughts and ideas about the game are discussed on these forums. Sometimes, if the planets are in the correct alignment, staff from Standing Stone Games will even deign to reply. Recently, a particularly interesting question that has frequently been raised by players finally got addressed by SSG developer Jeff Libby (AKA MadeOfLions). Namely, will there ever be a release of LOTRO Classic? An “old school” server with the game as it was when it launched in 2007. The fact that they actually answered is the main surprise here. Everything else about the actual reply is par for the course and embodies everything that is wrong with SSG and their community relations. Here is the original question and the subsequent answer.

2 Comments 3 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, LOTRO, Standing Stone Games, MadeOfLions, Jeff Libby, LOTRO Classic

A Month in Gaming

November 01, 2020 / Roger Edwards

The last 31 days have gone by really fast, or at least that’s the way it feels. Despite having bought several new games recently and acquired yet more for free from the Epic Store, I did not embark on anything new throughout October. Due to the unexpectedly prompt release of the new “mini expansion” for The Lord of the Rings Online and the launch of a new event in Star Trek Online, I found myself focused upon the MMORPG genre, yet again. And after playing continuously for six months, Call of Duty Modern Warfare/Warzone has finally begun to lose its lustre. I didn’t especially enjoy the Halloween event, not that there was anything inherently wrong with it. It just wasn’t for me. I played a little Fall Guy: Ultimate Knockout but quickly discovered that the “season” system is just another gear treadmill, although the gear in this instance are novelty cosmetic outfits. I don’t want to be tied to too many games in this fashion (it’s bad enough with MMOs), so this is another title that has been relegated to occasional play when the fancy takes me.

Comment 2 Likes

categories / Gaming, A Month in Gaming, October 2020, FPS, LOTRO, Star Trek Online

MMO Nostalgia

October 24, 2020 / Roger Edwards

Every now and then, when I log into The Lord of the Rings Online, as I ride through a new zone and drink in the vividly realised landscape and sumptuous ambient music, I am smitten by a wave of nostalgia. Just for a few seconds, I recall the emotional excitement of being in a virtual Middle-earth for the first time. I also remember the camaraderie and good company I experienced when I started playing this MMO in 2008. It is a powerful experience but sadly very short lived. Something subsequently happens to take me out of my reverie and bring me back to the current state of the game with a bump. This can be hitching, a major lag spike or a Dwarf irritatingly jumping up and down in my peripheral vision as I peruse the Auction House. Hence my present relationship with LOTRO and indeed the MMORPG genre is one based upon nostalgia and a hint of sadness. I still enjoy LOTRO mainly because of the stories and lore, as well as my friends in our kinship. But I no longer experience the game, as I did over a decade ago. And I miss that.

2 Comments 3 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, LOTRO, MMO Nostalgia

Gaming News Roundup

October 22, 2020 / Roger Edwards

Once again, here are a handful of gaming news stories from the last ten days or so that caught my eye. I have refrained from writing an entire blog post on each, either because they are too trivial and cannot sustain an article in their own right, or because they might fuel a rant of some kind. I’m too old for that kind of nonsense nowadays. The video game industry really has transitioned from the unique independent position it enjoyed three decades ago, into just another corporate business. Rife with all the usual iniquities and failings. But it’s not all doom and gloom as one story indicates. Ridiculous character crossovers can still bring joy to gamers who love such things.

Comment 2 Likes

categories / Gaming News Roundup, Gaming, October 2020

LOTRO: Update 28 - War of Three Peaks

October 20, 2020 / Roger Edwards

Players of the popular MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online were informed just 24 hours ago by developers Standing Stone Games, that the new “mini expansion” would be released today. Under normal circumstances, Update 28 - War of Three Peaks would have just been marketed as a content update and have been free to VIP subscribers, lifetime account holders and purchasable with LOTRO points by F2P players. However, these are far from normal circumstances. From March to May this year, LOTRO enjoyed a major renaissance as the lockdown brought players back to the game. SSG felt so confident in this surge in the playerbase that they made all previous updates available for free. However throughout June, July and August the game suffered major technical problems that lead to the majority of game servers being down for weeks. During that time many players took their business elsewhere or at the very least deferred subscribing until the technical issues were resolved. This left a major hole in SSG’s finances, hence the latest update miraculously became a chargeable “mini expansion”.

1 Comment 2 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, LOTRO, Update 28, War of Three Peaks, Standing Stone Games, Mini Expansion, Business Model, Subscription, VIP, Lifetime Account

LOTRO: Even More Community Management Problems

October 19, 2020 / Roger Edwards

Video games are a somewhat unique consumer product, in so far that we, the customers, broadly seem to have a far more personal relationship with them compared to other recreational activities. For example, I subscribed to several online streaming services that produce TV and film content. However, I never worry about how well their business model is performing, nor do I particularly concern myself with their public relations image. I simply “pay and consume” and as long as I have no technical problems that impede my access, then that is the extent of my relationship with them. I also enjoy Hendrick’s Gin but I don’t worry about the manufacturer, William Grant & Sons. But for some reason, my relationship with video games is different. I am far more au fait with the activities of both the developers and publishers, as well as their overall corporate standing. I suppose it’s because video games are an interactive activity and that make things more personal.

2 Comments 2 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, LOTRO, Standing Stone Games, Community Management, Cordovan, Jerry Snook, War of Three Peaks

Star Trek Online: Beginners Guide Part 2 - Careers, Factions and Species

October 07, 2020 / Roger Edwards

Welcome to the second part of my Star Trek Online: Beginners Guide. I thought it may be useful to write a series of posts, offering practical information for those who are just starting out in STO. Nothing fancy or in any way definitive. Just a few basic tips that may help orientate the new player. I’ve been playing STO since its launch in 2010 and this MMO has seen a lot of changes. The game features a lot of systems and mechanics that are not always immediately intuitive to grasp. So I’ll be doing my best to cover a selection of these in each post and try to provide a broad overview. Like a lot of advice, it can be subjective. Ultimately it comes down to each player how they wish to play. In this instalment, I shall be writing about career paths, factions and races.

Comment 4 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, Star Trek Online, STO Guide Part 2, Careers, Star Trek, Faction, Species

A Month in Gaming

October 01, 2020 / Roger Edwards

September has been a difficult month. A family crisis and subsequent bereavement meant that gaming got pushed down the daily agenda. However, after the various chores and duties were done I did need some downtime and means to relax. Hence I did play some games in a limited fashion. Nothing fancy, just stuff like Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout and Gang Beasts, which are light-hearted and undemanding. I also took the time to log on to The Lord of the Rings Online test server and check out the preview of the forthcoming “mini-expansion”. Not only was this informative but it provided material for a blog post. But overall I didn’t really achieve anything substantial with my gaming throughout September. Gaming was relegated to being just a convenient diversion from the immediate problems I’ve been facing but as such, it did fulfil that role well.

Comment 1 Likes

categories / Gaming, MMORPG, A Month in Gaming, FPS, LOTRO, Call of Duty Warzone, Horizon Zero Dawn, Elex, Spiritfarer, Toren, September 2020

Nintendo Switch: The Best Console I Haven’t Bought

September 26, 2020 / Roger Edwards

I recently wrote about the allure of console gaming and how exclusive titles can often be a big incentive to buy one. However, I’ve been a PC gamer for 25 years now and find that the biggest stumbling block regarding consoles is using the dual thumbsticks on the controller. I can cope with one but having to use two simultaneously is just not something I can do in a coordinated fashion. Hence I won’t be buying a Xbox of Playstation anytime soon. The Nintendo Switch is another matter altogether. This platform is unique in several ways. I like the immediacy of a handheld gaming option and of course Nintendo has the benefit of the Mario franchise. Many of the games for the Switch are more “benign”, lacking the inherent violence and destruction of other platforms' flagship titles. Like Nintendo itself, the Switch exists in its own specific niche.

Comment 3 Likes

categories / Gaming, Console Gaming, Nintendo Switch

LOTRO: Bullroarer Update 28 Preview #1

September 24, 2020 / Roger Edwards

I spent several hours last night exploring the preview of Update 28: War of the Three Peaks on the Bullroarer test server. I usually take a look at all new content for The Lord of the Rings Online in advance, as it always makes for an interesting blog post. However, this preview has proven a little more controversial than usual, as Update 28 is not going to be free (as all prior updates have been). Standing Stone Games announced recently that it is to be sold as a “mini expansion”, which caused a stir among the LOTRO community. Hence my excursion on the public test server was not just to ascertain the scope of the new zone but to ascertain whether there was sufficient content and value to justify being sold as a “mini expansion”. Sadly, from what I have seen, I do not believe that to be the case.

2 Comments 2 Likes

categories / Gaming, LOTRO, Update 28 Preview #1, Standing Stone Games, Mini Expansion, Elderslade

Star Trek Online: Buying Reputation

September 23, 2020 / Roger Edwards

It would appear that Standing Stone Games isn’t the only MMORPG developer making controversial business decisions at present. Cryptic announced yesterday that they were introducing a means to purchase reputation tiers in Star Trek Online. A move that was met with much virtual eye rolling over on the games unofficial subreddit and more angry comments on the Massively Overpowered website about “pay to win”. The main issue isn’t the adding of this particular mechanic to the game. STO is no stranger to adding services that allow you to bypass “the grind” by spending money. Monetisation has been built into the game since it went F2P in spring 2012. The primary objection to this rep buyout system is the price which is about £20. Furthermore this only buys reputation up to Tier 5. Tier 6 still has to be earned and it’s a particularly arduous chore. There are also 13 reputation factions to complete.

Comment 2 Likes

categories / Star Trek Online, Cryptic, MMORPG, Reputation, C-Store, Gaming

The Allure of Console Gaming

September 21, 2020 / Roger Edwards

The last console that I got genuinely excited about and subsequently purchased was the Sega Dreamcast. That was back in 1999 when it became available for European customers. Prior to this I had owned the NES, SNES and Sega Mega Drive (as the Genesis was known outside of the NA). I upgraded the latter with the SEGA CD and 32X addons. But I never got round to buying a Sony Playstation. However, a good friend of mine had one, so between us we had access to all the latest games across multiple systems. Therefore I can say wholeheartedly that console gaming was my platform of choice throughout the mid eighties up to the late nineties. Furthermore, due to my age (I was born in 1967), I wasn’t a child during my 15 year period of console gaming. I was employed and had an income, so could keep up with the latest releases and indulge in “novelty” peripherals such as the light gun for the SNES or the “maracas” for the Dreamcast.

1 Comment 3 Likes

categories / Gaming, PC Gaming, Console Gaming, Sega Dreamcast

Filtering by Category: Gaming