Welcome Home, Hobbit! Private Division and Wētā Workshop Announce Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game

Upcoming cosy Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game game set in the Middle-earth universe inspired by the books of J.R.R. Tolkien arrives later this year

The fantasy world of Middle-earth, made famous by J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic The Lord of the Rings series, is about to welcome a new addition to its universe. Private Division, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., has partnered with Wētā Workshop, known for their breathtaking work on The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, to bring a unique game experience to fans. The two companies have announced their collaboration on a new game, Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game, set to launch in the second half of 2024.

Developed by Wētā Workshop Game Studio, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wētā Workshop, this cosy Hobbit life sim will be available on the Nintendo Switch system, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Fans can expect to immerse themselves in the idyllic world of Middle-earth and experience the simple joys of living life as a Hobbit in the charming town of Bywater.

With Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game, players will be transported to the most inviting region of Middle-earth, where they can take part in activities like cooking, fishing, foraging, gardening, and more. Explore the breathtaking pastures, visit the locals’ quaint shops, or even enjoy a second breakfast – all while creating and personalizing their own Hobbit character.

The main objective of the game is to achieve official village status for Bywater by organizing the greatest Bywater Festival the Shire has ever seen. Players must work together with the community to plan and execute a successful festival, all while building relationships with the other characters in the town. The game will feature an array of customizations, allowing players to create their unique, humble abode and decorate it with furniture and home décor.

According to Michael Worosz, Chief Strategy Officer of Take-Two Interactive and Head of Private Division, fans have been longing for a warm and inviting The Lord of the Rings game for years, and Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game is exactly what they have been waiting for.

“The team at Wētā Workshop is creating a brilliant representation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved works that gives players the agency to create their own Hobbit experience in Middle-earth,” says Worosz. “Players have been clamoring for a warm and inviting The Lord of the Rings game for years now, and it’s exactly what we’re delivering with Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game.”

The game is licensed by Middle-earth Enterprises, giving Wētā Workshop Game Studio the creative freedom to interpret the underlying lore of the books.

Kelly Tyson, Head of Product at Wētā Workshop, expresses excitement for providing fans with the opportunity to live out their fantasy of a humble Hobbit life in the Shire through this game.

“Tales of the Shire brings a cosy new dimension to the way fans can experience Middle-earth, with plenty of wholesome, Hobbit-centric gameplay to win-over newcomers to the genre,” adds Tyson.

Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game is set to release later this year, and fans can’t wait to jump into this unique and heartwarming gaming experience. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB, but for more information and updates, fans can visit the official website www.talesoftheshire.com.

Stay tuned for more news on this exciting new addition to the world of Middle-earth.