Jorel's Mission to BLOG

A practice that is becoming commonplace among the companies that develop Massive Multiplayer Online (Role Playing) Games (MMORPGs) is to establish websites with forums so the fans of the genre can discuss information disseminated by the developers. The developers, in turn, gain insight into what their future paying customers would like to see in the game. Together, the developers and fans hash out nuisances of the game including game mechanics, the visual aspects of the game, adherence to the lore of the genre and so forth.

Lord of the Rings Online (LotRO), which has been in development in some form or another for over three years, is no different. Many of the forum members have been discussing the game and posting their thoughts about how the game should be developed for much of this time. The whole world is acutely aware of the loyalty of the Tolkien fan base and those fans, above all else, are hoping for an experience in the Lord of the Rings Online beyond their wildest dreams.

The most interesting aspect of the LotRO Forums, however, is how this community of Lord of the Rings fans have not only created their own kind of entertainment while they wait for the game to debut, but have developed (what will no doubt be) life long friendships with their fellow forum members. It is interesting to note that many of the forum members have traded addresses and phone numbers in order to keep in touch outside the forums. And, believe it or not, many have even traveled thousands of miles to meet each other in person at various Lord of the Rings based events.

Part of what the writers of LotRO Watch will do is to introduce you to the LotRO Forum members and their very diverse personalities. I guarantee there will never be a dull moment and you just might find yourself becoming a part of the LotRO Forums and making some new friends with which to experience LotRO!