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A new game based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth universe has been announced by Private Division and Weta Workshop.
According to the announcement, it’s specifically the “literary works of the series” that have been licensed here. So that means the game will be based on the books rather than the movies. (Or, for example, the upcoming Amazon Prime TV series The Rings of Power.)
That being said, Weta Workshop are the special effects company best known for their work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. They established a games division in 2014, so this could end up with a similar, if legally distinct, vibe.
Amie Wolken, Head of Interactive at Weta, provides the following quote. ““It’s a privilege to create a new game set in Middle-earth, especially one that’s so different from what fans have played previously.”
“As fans ourselves,” she continues. “We’re excited for gamers to explore Middle-earth in a way they never have before, and introduce new fans to the magic of The Lord of the Rings.”
There’s not much in the way of further details on the game, which is currently in early development. There’s no release date, or platforms – but it’s expected to launch “during Take Two’s fiscal year 2024.” That puts it anywhere between April 2023 and March 2024.
It’s not the only upcoming Middle-earth game fans have to look forward to. However, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, from Daedelic Entertainment, was delayed to an unspecified date last month.
Private Division promises to share more about their Middle-earth project in the future.
