So I got to thinking after reading various reactions on message boards. I like the idea and honestly I think Turbine is brilliant to have come up with it. Thinking back over the various MMORPG launches I’ve been a part of I can’t think of any company that has taken on the challenge, or responsibility, of maintaining their own database website. Blizzard had Thottbot, Turbine’s Asheron’s Call had that popular site that right now escapes me, EQ had Allakhazam and casters realm, etc. For Turbine to now start their own it’s actually more interesting than it appears at first glance.
With Turbine running the show this places them in a great position. They have access to all the data right at their fingertips. Let’s face it, no manually updated website will be as complete or all encompassing as one that pulls data right from the stream – benefit #1. Now if I recall correctly Turbine has stated that UI mods or mods that do anything other than change the appearance of the UI are not allowed. This means that Turbine will be the only ones calling the shots on what they do or not not allow to be shown. They can make their database site as helpful or unhelpful as they want – benefit #2. Turbine will also receive the ability to be the first to break news on something, to provide the newest and latest information to their players, and to be the center of attention – benefit #3. What better way to be in control than to do everything yourself? It’s good marketing and thus it’s good business.
On top of all these things their Lorebook site is not only functional but it’s great to look at and it draws players in.  Kudos to Turbine on this one.
I took a quick look at it myself today and my initial reaction was wow! It just made me wonder why no other publisher has ever done it before. I’m guessing because they didn’t want to provide spoilers to their own game maybe?
It’s either that or the fact that it’s just another thing to micromanage. But since it’s controlled by Turbine they can in a sense control what is spoiled and what is not – which is a good thing!
Think about it, why let another company profit off of your game, when you can generate faith in your product by assigning a team to it yourself. Expect many more companies to do this, I’d say. If they’re smart.
I like that not only is it owned by them, but it will be added to and fleshed out by the players.