Turbine Explains Rationale Behind LotRO Armor Store Following Controversy

In a post on the official Lord of the Rings Online forums, Turbine Community Manager Sapience responded to the concerns of players over the recently introduced feature which allows users to purchase lower level stat-enhanced armor.

The decision to allow this armor to be purchased via the LoTRO store caused an uproar, with players citing familiar phrases such as ‘pay-to-win’ following the announcement.  Sapience explains that Turbine examined the model they use in Dungeons & Dragons Online in which low-level, but meaningful items were introduced into the game to improve player progression and retention.  Being that this model was successful in DDO, the intention was to replicate it in LoTRO.

The post goes on to clarify several issues that have been brought up over the last week, including the statement that Turbine would never sell gear in the store (Sapience clarifies that the official stance has always been that they won’t sell end-game gear).  Sapience also acknowledges that the new lower level armor may be too powerful compared to what can be gained through normal means, and that the items may stay or may go, or have their stats altered in the weeks to come.

Finally, in regards to communication with the player base going forward, Sapience acknowledged that Turbine takes “this as a sign that we need to do a better job in clear and open communication. In the future we will take more time to explain why - not just what we’re doing.”