Weta Workshop and Private Division are working on a new Lord of the Rings video game that will be set in the literary realm rather than the filmic one.
The new game, which was revealed today through Twitter, is set in Middle-earth, and Weta—who worked on both the classic Peter Jackson films and Amazon’s The Rings of Power—is collaborating with Take-Private Two’s Division publishing house.
Weta Workshop and Private Division have joined together to release a new game set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional Middle-earth setting. We’re excited to announce this. “We anticipate disclosing additional details about the study in the future.”
The unnamed game, which is reportedly in the early stages of production, is expected to release in 2024. Elijah Wood and Martin Freeman won’t be present, though, as the game is reportedly based mostly on the Middle-earth realm from the books.
This implies that it will tie more closely to Tolkien’s original books and sit apart from recent movies and TV shows. Weta, which established its own game production company in 2014, will make the game.
According to Weta Workshop’s head of interactive, Amie Wolken, “it’s a pleasure to make a new game set in Middle-earth, particularly one that’s so distinct from what gamers have enjoyed before.”
Head of Private Division Michael Worosz continued, “We are excited to work with Weta Workshop to release a series based in such an outstanding and renowned environment.
No one is more qualified to develop a unique, new Middle-earth gaming experience than the Weta Workshop team since the Lord of the Rings IP is home to so many amazing stories. Models for Rivendell, Sauron’s Tower, and many more locations were made by Weta Workshop.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is anticipated to debut next year, so this isn’t the only Lord of the Rings game in the works.
