Soon, the Hobbits will no longer hold any secrets for you: join the community, with Tales of the Shire, the latest videogame opus in the Lord of the Rings saga, published by Private Division and concocted by the talented creators of Weta Workshop. The game is scheduled for release on PC, Nintendo Switch , PS5 and Xbox Series, on March 25, 2025. Featuring an enchanting storyline set in the picturesque Shire of Tolkien's world, this game is an open door to a cozy adventure that evokes similarities with the beloved Animal Crossing.
The association of Private Division, known for its previous successes such as The Outer Worlds, and Weta Workshop, famous for its major artistic contribution to the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, promises an experience rich in aesthetics and fantasy.
" Play as a Hobbit straight out of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary novels! Customize your appearance and assemble your most elegant Hobbit outfit by choosing from a wide range of options. Decorate your very own Hobbit home and create a cozy corner by arranging furniture and decorations to your heart's content, with no placement grid system to curb your creativity. Discover new wonders in Lèzeau every day, as you settle into your home to enjoy a well-deserved rest. "
The gameplay of Tales of the Shire is still shrouded in mystery, but the essence of the game lies in the exploration of a peaceful Hobbit-like life. In this simulation game, you can decorate your home, grow your food, prepare your meals, fish, make friends with your neighbors... Each improvement allows you to develop your little village of Lèzeau. The mechanics are reminiscent of the Animal Crossing license, with a soothing atmosphere and artistic direction faithful to the essence of the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The intriguing trailer also teased the presence of iconic locations such as theInn of the Ivy Bush and the Green Dragon, establishing a bridge between the collective imagination of Lord of the Rings fans and this new videogame adventure. The video also features some of the saga's most emblematic characters, foreshadowing some very interesting encounters. The choice of Weta Workshop as lead developer brings a level of confidence in the artistic and narrative fidelity that Tales of the Shire will maintain with Tolkien's universe. Their previous collaborations with Peter Jackson are a testament to their skill and passion for this fantastic world. On the other hand, the visual narrative promises to bring the Shire back to life, with an attention to detail that will delight Tolkien aficionados.
What's more, Tales of the Shire seems to take a different route from previous videogame adaptations of The Lord of the Rings, offering a gentle, pleasant respite from action- or infiltration-driven titles. This bold choice marks an innovative step in exploring the narrative and aesthetic richness of Tolkien 's world in the gaming world. All we can do now is wait for its release!
Dates and Opening Time
Starts March 25, 2025
Official website
store.privatedivision.com
