Codemasters Online announced that the launch of The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) Free to Play Store and the latest content, Book 2; Ride of the Grey Company would launch across Europe later than expected:

We are currently anticipating a delay of more than a week, potentially launching around the end of the month, and are still not in a position where we are able to confirm an exact date.

This post seems to be regularly updated, so we're expecting new information soon. 

If you are looking for a gift for someone who is fascinated with The Lord of the Rings, I believe this could be a perfect choice - fun LOTR themed t-shirt

Prancing Pony

Soulmates

You Shall Not Pass

For more informations check out the following sites:
Prancing Pony -Staff shirt
Soul mates Shirt
You shall not pass Shirt

A few weeks ago Hounted House (Hounted Cellar) was announced as a new feature for the fall festival. During the last few days several videos about Hounted House appeared on YouTube, but this one was amazing - Ultra High graphic setting, 1280x1024, DirectX 10 on, DirectX 11 ambient occlusion shading on. We would like to thank GlaDOSrev2 for this quick preview.

Volume 3, Book 2 F2P update introduced several new emotes to LOTRO. They are available in store and from barter NPCs through normal play. In order: Feathers, Drunk, Spin, Golf Drive, Golf Chip, Golf Putt, Tickle and Jump. We would like to thank EstyVids for this great video.

A few days ago the NDA on the LOTRO Beta has been lifted. New posts form Beta players with screenshots and information are popping up like mushrooms after the rain. The latest one I came across is devoted to the new landscape and I had to share it with you. We would like to thank Jadzi and Cerridwen for these breathtaking screenshots.

Mournshaws	Crug Cadelhin	Enedwaith
Gavar Diavol	Gloomglens	Grey King
Harndirion	Huntsman	Lich Bluffs 1
Lich Bluffs	Maur Tulhau	Nan Laeglin 1
Nan Laeglin	Thror Coomb 1	Thror Coomb 2
Thror Coomb 3	Thror Coomb

Geek joke of the day:

Question: What do you call 8 hobbits?
Answer: A hobbyte.

This week new beta journal will give us more details and explanations about revamped starting areas and updated tutorials.

The tutorial instances when you first login to the game have been completely changed from top to bottom. They've added a lot more direct story involvement to them. For example, instead of just happening across a Nazgul as you leave a post office in the Shire, now you encounter a few special Hobbits as they're starting their journey away from home being pursued by the very same Nazgul! However, new players are likely to find it much more engaging, I think, and it will connect them to the world that much faster.

[Source]

Codemasters Online have provided 50 beta keys, for lucky European SquareGo readers, so they can experience the ultimate adventure.

Find out more about competition!

From 18th to 22nd August, 2010 the Codemasters Online Team will be attending GamesCom in Cologne, Germany. If you're planning to visit GamesCom don't forget to sign up for LOTRO Free-To-Play at Lotro booth A31 in hall 8.1 at GamesCom and you will receive a special reward of LOTRO store Points worth 10 €!

From 18th to 22nd August, 2010 the Codemasters Online Team will be attending this year´s GamesCom in Cologne, Germany.

Together with Turbine we will be presenting LOTRO Free-To-Play to our European audience. Everyone who signs up for LOTRO Free-To-Play at our booth at GamesCom will receive a special reward of LOTRO store Points worth 10 €!

To sign up and claim your free Points, visit us in hall 8.1, booth A31. For further information on GamesCom visit their website. We look forward to meeting you there!

[Source]

During the last few weeks, Lotro fans have a chance to win free Beta keys. Just a small reminder where you can get Lotro beta key:

1. Beta event on Fileplanet : ALL FilePlanet users are invited to play! FilePlanet subscribers will receive a 5000 points code to be used in the beta. All other users will receive a 1000 points code.
2. ZAM beta key Giveaway: This promotion is only open to ZAM premium members on a first come, first serve basis. You must log in or sign up for an account. 
3. CSTM LOTRO Beta Key Giveaway: A Casual Stroll to Mordor and Turbine are very pleased to offer an opportunity to get into the LOTRO F2P Beta to our blog readers / podcast listeners. We are taking entries for a random sweepstakes until July 31st.
4. MASSIVELY.com: Our friends over at Turbine have supplied us with a special code for those of you who want to get in on the Lord of the Rings Online beta! However, there is a catch to this code - it can only be used for 500 Massively readers who will be invited to the beta when the next wave of invites goes out.