In partnership with developers Private Division, Weta Workshop has released a teaser trailer for its upcoming game Tales of the Shire. The plot of the game, which is set in the Lord of the Rings universe, is not yet known.
The short trailer doesn’t show any actual gameplay. Rather, the teaser shows a Hobbit drawing in his journal. The hobbit leaves and a wind begins flipping through the journal pages before the journal closes, revealing the title Tales of the Shire. Drawings in the journal show shire homes, hobbit food and street signs for Ivy Bush and the Green Dragon.
Live as a hobbit
The Tales of the Shire teaser trailer gives little away in terms of gameplay. However, the game’s official description suggests the player will live a ‘cosy Hobbit life,’ which may indicate the game will be something like a causal sim title. Additionally, the Head of Interactive at Weta Workshop, Annie Wolken, states that the gameplay will differ significantly from that of previous Lord of the Rings games.
“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,” said Amie Wolken, Head of Interactive at Wētā Workshop, upon announcing the project. “As fans ourselves, 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.”
Amazon developing Lord of the Rings MMO
While details concerning Tales of the Shire are sparse, the trailer does state that the game will be released in 2024 for consoles and PC. Amazon is also working on a Lord of the Rings game. The upcoming MMO is currently in early development at the Amazon Games Orange County studio.
“We’re committed to bringing players high-quality games, whether through original IPs or long-beloved ones like The Lord of the Rings,” stated Vice President of Amazon Games Christoph Hartmann in May.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
