Lord of the Rings Online is one of the longest running mainstream RPGs and is still popular today, offering one of the most expansive free-to-play MMOs out there. It is looking a little dated though, with its original 2007 release date firmly in its rearview mirror. Still, that might not be the case forever. With a likely resurgence in interest with an upcoming Lord of the Rings TV Show from Amazon, and a new Lord of the Rings MMO in the pipeline, there are rumors that the older LOTRO could be getting a fresh coat of paint.
As PCGamesN reports, the EG7 Investors briefing that recently discussed the game suggested that there would be a "visual and technical update" for LOTRO, on both PC and next-gen consoles coming sometime in 2022. That seems like a long way off, but it could mean that we're looking at something far larger than a simple texture detail increase. Perhaps we'll see an overhaul of much of the game's assets to give it a much more impressive look and feel. Maybe even with ray tracing — something that has taken World of Warcraft to newly attractive heights, despite its even older original launch date.
Details remain rather thin on the ground for now, but with publisher Daybreak expected to put considering investment into the game, it's possible it will also do the same for its other properties, including DC Online and Everquest.
What would you like to see happen to LOTRO to make it more of a relevant game in 2021 and beyond?
