Dear players,

My name is David Solari and I’m the General Manager of Codemasters Online.

I'd like to give you some explanation (as far as I can), as to why the Free-to-Play service for LOTRO in Europe has been delayed.

As many of you correctly surmised, the issues have been contractual rather than technical. As they were contractual issues, we are bound by confidentiality and you will understand that I can’t give you any further detail.

This is the reason why we have been unable to provide you with any substantial information as to when we will go Free-to-Play, despite the desire to share this with you.
Unfortunately a contract was required in order to go Free-to-Play and this has taken much longer to conclude than expected.

The good news is that the contractual issues have been resolved and we are on the home stretch.

I can’t give an exact date at this time as there is still some preparatory work to do, but rest assured everyone involved is giving 100% to bring Free-to-Play to Europe, and there will be more definitive information hopefully later this week.

We can confirm the launch is imminent and we should be able to announce the dates later this week/early next week.

I understand the lack of information has been frustrating for you and for that I can only offer my deepest and most sincere apologies. It has been a very difficult time for all parties involved and we hope to draw a line under this and move forward to bring you Free-to-Play as soon as possible.

We are nearly there and can only thank you for your patience and continued support.
__________________
Vice President and General Manager
Codemasters Online.