The news is very old. According to one of our sources, a new development team has been in place for some time, but the rumors concerning Tolkien Enterprises' dissatisfaction with Havas have been circulating for more than a month now, and the rumor is appearing in more and more places. There may be a big announcement sometime this summer. If so, fans who have been wanting a multiplayer Tolkien game on the Internet may not be entirely disappointed. There appear to be little truth in the accusations, although some of the rumors have misconstrued actual facts.
Authorities are satisfied the animals are being well treated.
Computer Gaming World is reportedly claiming the license has been yanked. If all goes well, Xenite. Org will be hosting regular Web surfing sessions that poke around SF fandom online. Stephen Geard, one of the Internet's leading experts on J.R.R. Tolkien, recently asked members of The White Council what they think. Take a look and share your thoughts.