Amazon Games and Embracer Group’s Middle-earth Enterprises have joined forces to develop a new game based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic fantasy world in “The Lord of the Rings” series. The two companies announced their agreement today, revealing plans for a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game set in the expansive realm of Middle-earth.
The upcoming game will take players on an open-world MMO adventure, immersing them in a persistent world inspired by the beloved stories of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. While still in the early stages of production, the project has garnered excitement, especially with Amazon Games Orange County leading the development. The studio, known for its popular open-world MMO game “New World,” is well-equipped to tackle the vast and immersive world of Middle-earth.
As of now, Amazon Games intends to publish the game globally for both PC and consoles, with further details regarding the launch timing expected to be revealed at a later date. Christoph Hartmann, Vice President of Amazon Games, expressed their commitment to delivering high-quality games to players, whether through original IPs or well-established franchises like “The Lord of the Rings.”
This partnership marks an expansion of the relationship between Amazon Games and Embracer Group, following their successful collaboration on the Tomb Raider franchise deal last year. The positive experience of working together has led to Middle-earth Enterprises entrusting Amazon Games with the cherished world of Tolkien’s creation.
Lee Guinchard, CEO of Freemode, the operative group to which Middle-earth Enterprises belongs, spoke about the enthusiasm surrounding the project. He expressed their ambition to create top-tier entertainment products within the expansive Middle-earth universe, whether by utilizing internal resources or partnering with industry experts. The aim is to deliver an MMO experience that faithfully represents the rich lore of Middle-earth and captivates players worldwide.
The forthcoming “The Lord of the Rings” game adds to Amazon Games’ growing success in game publishing and development. Their internally developed MMO, “New World,” and action RPG, “Lost Ark,” have enjoyed immense popularity, consistently ranking highly on platforms like Steam and Twitch while fostering strong player communities. Additionally, Amazon Games has secured publishing agreements with esteemed companies such as NCSOFT, Bandai Namco Online, and Crystal Dynamics for various upcoming titles.
While this MMO game is in development, it should be noted that it is distinct from the Amazon Studios series, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” currently airing on Prime Video. Set in Tolkien’s Second Age of Middle-earth, the TV show is unrelated to the game but aims to captivate audiences with its own unique narrative.