LotRO reverses policy, plans to sell PvE stat gear through the store

Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Business models, Economy, Free-to-play

In July 2010, Massively was told by Turbine that the then-coming LotRO store "would not sell any gear with stats attached." And while the studio has so far kept to the letter of the law, it has fudged the spirit of it with the sales of stat tomes (which boost stats independently of gear) and the addition of statted gear to PvMP (monster play).

Consider the law cast aside today, then, as Turbine's announced the coming sale of statted gear in the LotRO store to normal PvE play as well. Light, medium, and heavy armor pieces will soon be available for purchase in the cash shop, and will come with beneficial stats attached. In addition to the typical stats, the store boots will come with a 8% run out-of-combat run speed boost attached.

While the gear in question has reasonable stats, it certainly raises the specter of the game's heading toward pay-to-win territory by having it for sale at all.

Massively has reached out to Turbine for an official comment.

LotRO reverses policy, plans to sell PvE stat gear through the store originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• Source: LotRO