There have already been rumors that Amazon and Embracer have something in the works when it comes to the Tolkien universe and now it’s official: Amazon Games is developing a new MMO.
Amazon Games and Embracer Group, through its subsidiary Middle-earth Enterprises, part of the Freemode operating group, just announced that Amazon Games will develop and publish a new massively multiplayer online game (MMO) based on JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
The previously untitled game is said to be an open-world MMO that will be themed on both the trilogy and The Hobbit. The game is being developed by Amazon Games Orange County, which is also working on New World. According to the PM, the game is still in an early development phase and should be released for PC and consoles. The release date is currently even more invisible than Frodo with the ring on. However, the series on Amazon Prime should not have any connection to the game.
So a new attempt for Amazon. The Internet giant announced work on an MMO for The Lord of the Rings back in 2019, but scrapped the project two years later after failing to reach an agreement with Tencent, which took over the Leyou development studio that worked on the game. The game at that time was supposed to play in the second age, i.e. before the trilogy and more in the period of the series.
“It’s important to us to deliver quality titles to gamers, whether they’re original IPs or games based on long-time crowd favorites like The Lord of the Rings,” said Christoph Hartmann, VP of Amazon Games. “It has long been a goal for our team to bring players a fresh take on The Lord of the Rings and we are honored and grateful that Middle-earth Enterprises have entrusted us with their iconic world. We are also excited to continue our collaboration to expand with Embracer Group after our Tomb Raider deal last year, as they have proven to be an excellent partner to work with.”
“The world of Middle-earth continues to prove an endless source of creativity. Amazon Games have a passion for creating immersive, awe-inspiring worlds and expertise in releasing games to global audiences,” said Lee Guinchard, CEO of Freemode. “Our clear ambition is to create the best possible entertainment products for this IP, whether we use internal resources or team up with the best partners the industry has to offer that complement our capabilities. We make every effort to to create an MMO that does justice to the vast universe of Middle-earth and that will delight gamers around the world.”
Amazon is thus continuing to ambitiously expand its portfolio. In addition to ongoing titles such as New World and Lost Ark, other titles are already in the works, including the new Tomb Raider with Crystal Dynamics, Blue Protocol by Bandai Namco and Throne and Liberty by NCSOFT.
Check out the Throne and Liberty trailer to see gameplay, combat, enemies, a look at the world including different environments, and more from the upcoming game.
