Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Private Division, previously revealed in 2022 that it would collaborate with Wētā Workshop's new in-house video game division on an undisclosed project. It looks like Tales of the Shire is the first product of that collaboration.
Wētā Workshop and Private Division produced a teaser trailer last year, but we now have an official announcement trailer, which you can view below.
From Wētā Workshop, known for their work in the film industry, comes Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game, a Hobbit life sim set in the Middle-earth universe of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Via press release, it was confirmed that the game will arrive in the second half of 2024 on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
The press release also revealed that In Tales of the Shire, gamers will experience the storybook return to Middle-earth’s most inviting region by living life as a Hobbit in the idyllic town of Bywater. Unwind in the breathtaking pastures, visit the townsfolks’ local shops, or even enjoy second breakfast. Help bring the community together and achieve official village status by throwing the greatest Bywater Festival the Shire has ever seen!
"We’re excited to provide players with the opportunity to fulfil their fantasy of living their own humble Hobbit life in the Shire,” said Kelly Tyson, Head of Product at Wētā Workshop.
“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.”
As most gamers expected Tales of the Shire appears to be a slice-of-life, farming simulator in the same vein as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.
In case you're not familiar with this genre, a farming simulator game is a kind of simulation video game where players are tasked with overseeing an imaginary farm. To get money, players usually grow crops, care for animals, and sell their produce.
Realistic agricultural processes like planting, harvesting, and plowing are frequently included in farming simulator games.
The decision-making involved in growing and raising things, investing earnings, and expanding activities may also involve aspects of corporate management.
It may sound a tad boring but a lot of nontraditional gamers find such titles to be very soothing.
“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,” said Michael Worosz, Chief Strategy Officer, Take-Two Interactive, and Head of Private Division.
“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.”
Are you intrigued by what you've seen in the Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game announcement trailer? Let us know in the comment section below.