Several months ago I did some research in preparation for a guest-host spot on a podcast in which I finally got my mind wrapped around the parties involved in the Intellectual Property licensing that goes on for LOTRO. Since then, I’ve heard the names of the parties mixed up on several different occasions, including a few times on LOTRO Players News....

Some of you may know that I’m a sucker for podcasts. I listen to several every week during my commute to/from work, and when running kids here and there on our never ending taxi saga. So, I’m always on the lookout for new podcasts to slide into the listening rotation. This week, I stumbled upon a brand new LOTRO podcast by Braag called Light the...

In this episode, Brodkil and I collect some wolf tails and venison steaks in the Lone Lands, talk about walking back to Bree, and discuss Brodkil’s reading of “The Two Towers”. Enjoy!    ...

  In this episode, Brodkil and I continue on the Volume 1 epic in the lone lands….after we find the door in the Forsaken Inn. We also talk about the changes in Update 13 and the newly announced LOTRO class: The Beornings, which Brodkil is very excited about.    ...

Please note: The following post is a 2014 April Fool’s joke. Any similarity to actual news is completely unintentional (and hopefully hilarious). Lord of the Rings Online, the first AAA MMO title to convert it’s business model to the oft-maligned and celebrated “Free to Play”, is blazing the trail once again. This morning, Turbine, Inc.,...

There was a time that I was a VIP subscriber to LOTRO. During my first couple of years playing, when I knew I had a long road ahead (level 65-75 back in those days), it was practically a no-brainer to plunk down the subscription fee in order to be able to enjoy a hassle-free gallivant through our favorite fantasy setting. Financially, I was able to justify it...

One of our favorite fellow LOTRO fan sites, Tales of Arda, announced it’s closure* this morning. It’s proprietor, Whiteberry, has been a dedicated member of the community, a guest on LOTRO Players News and generally well respected presence. From all of us at LOTRO Players, we wish Whiteberry the best in her future endeavors, and extend a hearty...

LOTRO’s Update 13 includes many quality-of-life improvements, not the least of which is an update to the bags players use to haul around loot and other curiosities. Below is a list of alterations to the inventory system that currently exist on the update 13 beta build. Watch the video for further explanation. Keep in mind, beta changes are always subject...

Today, to coincide with the opening of the Bullroarer beta testing of LOTRO’s next major update, Turbine posted release notes for our enjoyment and perusal. Please keep in mind that all items are subject to change prior to live deployment of update 13. Major items of note: Two new areas: The Entwood and Flooded Isengard Inventory revamp: Bags can be...

This past week, I had the distinct honor of being joined on my independent gaming podcast “Beyond Bossfights” by Merric and Goldenstar of Causally Strolling Through MMO’s. Many readers will probably remember them as the hosts of the long-running LOTRO focused podcast and blog “A Casual Stroll to Mordor”. Many contributors to this...

The following represents my opinion only, not anybody else affiliated with LOTRO Players. I may need to turn in my red stapler tomorrow. As the news of the layoffs at Turbine continues to trickle in, I find that several realizations are hitting me at once. First of all, I would be remiss not to mention those most closely affected by the restructuring. No matter...

Locowolf and I attempt to re-take the summit of Amon Sul! Emphasis on attempt.    ...

In this episode, Locowolf and I clean out a camp of orcs in preparation for our ascent to Amon Sul. Candaith, on the other hand, sits by a campfire. Enjoy!    ...

Three years after the initial release, I finally sat down to watch “Rise of the Fellowship”, thanks to it’s availability on Netflix streaming. Originally titled “The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers” back before distribution problems delayed widespread release, the film is a buddy comedy that parodies many aspects of the Peter...

LOTRO Reporter, one of the longest running and most well-established LOTRO podcasts, announced on Monday that they would be changing their hosts as a part of a larger re-alignment occuring at the MMO Reporter Network. The change will result in the departure of longtime host and LOTRO Reporter founder Chris, while Cari and Layanor will remain as tag-team...

In this episode,  Locowolf and I travel to Candaith’s encampment in the Lone Lands to help rid the area of orcs. Our fellowship breaks often, and Loco fails to grasp the role of his healer, hence the title.  ...

Earlier today, Turbine posted the first LOTRO community update of the year, clocking in at just over a minute of action and information. Actually, just information. I’ll admit it, I’ve been somewhat critical of the past few community updates for their lack of pertinent information, but seeing as how Turbine is finally giving us more information in...

Well, folks, we’ve had some time to absorb the class changes that update 12.0 (otherwise known as the Helm’s Deep expansion) brought to us. To recap, skill traits were replaced with skill trees, and several skills were consolidated, removed or changed as a result. For the hunter, the names remained the same – Bowmaster (red), Huntsman (blue) and Trapper of Foes...

In this bite-sized Christmas episode, Brodkil and I conquer the LOTRO skirmish “Storm on Methedras” for the first time together. Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas!  ...

Well, folks, we’ve had some time to absorb the class changes that update 12.0 (otherwise known as the Helm’s Deep expansion) brought to us. To recap, skill traits were replaced with skill trees, and several skills were consolidated, removed or changed as a result. For the hunter, the names remained the same – Bowmaster (red), Huntsman (blue)...