In a groundbreaking announcement today, Amazon Games and Embracer Group declared a unique collaboration to bring a new epic to the digital realm. The project involves Embracer Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Middle-earth Enterprises, which operates under the Freemode umbrella.
The ambitious venture? To create a breathtaking, massively multiplayer online (MMO) game, taking inspiration from the masterpiece that is J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. This digital realm promises to be an immersive open-world MMO experience, set in the enduringly enchanting Middle-earth.
Fans can expect to delve into a persistent universe steeped in the lore of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, replete with their cherished narratives. The project is in its nascent stages, with the creative minds at Amazon Games’ Orange County studio helming the development. This studio is no stranger to the MMO genre, having crafted the acclaimed open-world game, New World.
New Lord of the Rings MMO
Amazon Games is set to bring this Middle-earth MMO to life on both PC and consoles, with a global release. While we are left in suspense about the launch date and additional specifics, they’ve promised to divulge more in due course. This epic collaboration is sure to set the gaming world abuzz, as we eagerly anticipate a journey back to Middle-earth, but this time in an MMO like no other.
“We’re committed to bringing players high-quality games, whether through original IPs or long-beloved ones like The Lord of the Rings,” said Christoph Hartmann, VP, Amazon Games. “Bringing players a fresh take on The Lord of the Rings has long been an aspiration for our team, and we’re honored and grateful that Middle-earth Enterprises is entrusting us with this iconic world. We’re also pleased to be expanding our relationship with Embracer Group following our Tomb Raider deal last year, as they’ve proven to be excellent collaborators”
“The world of Middle-earth continues to prove an endlessly fertile ground for creators, and Amazon Games has a passion for building immersive, compelling worlds and publishing games for a global audience,” said Lee Guinchard, CEO of Freemode. “We have the clear ambition to create the highest-quality entertainment products for this IP, whether we utilize internal resources or team up with the best industry partners that complement our capabilities. We’re taking every care to deliver an MMO which will do justice to the expansive Middle-earth universe and delight players around the world.”
“The as-yet-untitled The Lord of the Rings game continues Amazon Games’ growing momentum in game publishing and development, following the success of its internally developed MMO New World and action RPG Lost Ark from Smilegate RPG, both of which have toppedSteam and Twitch charts and continue to nurture strong player communities. Amazon has also announced publishing agreements with NCSOFT for Throne and Liberty, Bandai Namco Online for Blue Protocol, Crystal Dynamics for the next major Tomb Raider game, and Glowmade and Disruptive Games for unannounced titles.”
As always as soon as more information is released we will keep you up to speed as always.
Previously created Lord of the Rings MMO games
The most well-known Lord of the Rings MMO game is “The Lord of the Rings Online” (often abbreviated as LOTRO). It was developed by Turbine and originally released in 2007. The game allows players to create a character and explore the vast world of Middle-earth, interacting with locations and characters from the books and is currently celebrating its 16th year with new content available on a regular basis.
Plans for another Lord of the Rings MMO to be developed by Athlon Games, a subsidiary of Leyou, in collaboration with Amazon Game Studios was also on the cards back in 2019. The game was supposed to be set in the world of Middle-earth long before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings take place. Unfortunately this game was cancelled in 2021 due to contract negotiations falling through after Tencent acquired Leyou.
Other LoTR themed games
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II
This real-time strategy game, developed by EA Los Angeles and published by EA Games, was released in 2006. Set in the iconic world of Middle-earth, the game allows players to lead the forces of both good and evil in the epic battles from the books. It received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and faithful adaptation of the Lord of the Rings universe.
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, these action-adventure games offer a unique story set in the Lord of the Rings universe. Released in 2014 and 2017 respectively, the games feature innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the Nemesis system, where the enemies remember their past interactions with the player and react accordingly. The games were generally well received by critics and players alike for their engaging storylines and immersive gameplay.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Developed and published by EA Games, this 2003 action-adventure game closely follows the events of the movie of the same name. Players can control multiple characters from the film, each with their own unique abilities, and play through levels that mirror scenes from the movie. The game was well received, particularly for its cooperative gameplay, allowing two players to play the game together.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North
This action RPG developed by Snowblind Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2011 presents a unique storyline that runs parallel to the main plot of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The game allows cooperative play with up to three players, each controlling a different character, and features intense combat and character customization.
The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
A 2004 role-playing video game developed by EA Redwood Shores and published by Electronic Arts. It’s a console RPG that features turn-based combat and a story that parallels the events of the film trilogy. Players control a group of characters, each with their own skills and abilities, as they journey through Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Developed by Daedalic Entertainment, this game focuses on the character Gollum, providing a mix of stealth and platforming gameplay. Players will experience Middle-earth from Gollum’s perspective and will have to balance his dual personalities throughout the game. The game Gollum is set to launch on May 25, 2023.
LEGO The Lord of the Rings
Developed by Traveller’s Tales and released by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2012, this game offers a lighthearted and fun spin on the Lord of the Rings series, with the unique humor and gameplay mechanics of the LEGO video game franchise. Players can control a variety of characters from the movies, each recreated in adorable LEGO form, and explore a LEGO version of Middle-earth.
Source : MEE
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
