Release Nov 18th

[Vandervahn]

...

The key here isn't that the epic story line is no longer free. In my opinion, using it as a loss leader for so long wasn't the best choice. The key here is a promise was made, a commitment, and people invested their time/money/resources based upon that commitment, which is now being rendered moot.

The battles are not integral to the story, you can do the battles at level 10 irrespective of story according to Turbine's PR. [...]

It's obviously a design/management choice to break the promise/commitment. ...

Nicely singled out.

One would have thought Turbine might have learned by now that the best way to deliver bad news is being straightforward and honest about it. Not only when players ask, and then with unfeasible explanations. The Turbine leadership is yet again offering Sapience as a pawn instead of being open about such a monumental change at least in "corporate commitment".

Whats wrong with "Hey guys, Producer X here. I know we always said A about the epic quest, but financial realities/a shift in focus/the constellation of Orion aligned with Alpha Centauri forced us to evaluate and change our position to B..." I dont even have a problem with the decision, business is business, but the delivery is off. I thought this game praises itself on its community. How about some reciprocal respect then?