Private Division, Wētā Workshop Announce ‘Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game’

Private Division, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, and Wētā Workshop, known for its work on the world of Middle-earth for “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, have revealed “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. Developed by Wētā Workshop Game Studio, a subsidiary of Wētā Workshop, “Tales of the Shire” will launch in the second half this year. In “Tales of the Shire,” players experience the storybook return to Middle-earth’s most inviting region by living life as a Hobbit in the idyllic town of Bywater.  

“We’re excited to provide players with the opportunity to fulfil their fantasy of living their own humble Hobbit life in the Shire,” says Kelly Tyson, head, product, Wētā Workshop. “‘Tales of the Shire’ brings a cozy new dimension to the way fans can experience Middle-earth, with plenty of wholesome, Hobbit-centric gameplay to win over newcomers to the genre.” 

Players can create and personalize a Hobbit with an array of customizations to experience the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved Middle-earth universe their own way.  

“Tales of the Shire.”

“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 Michael Worosz, chief strategy officer, Take-Two Interactive, and head, 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.’” 

Middle-earth Enterprises has licensed the literary works of “The Lord of the Rings” series, providing Wētā Workshop Game Studio with the broadest creative license to interpret the underlying lore of the books. 

“Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game” is coming later this year to the Nintendo Switch system, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.