Weta Workshop is making a new 'cozy' The Lord of the Rings game where you live like a Hobbit

If you're familiar with Peter Jackson's incredible The Lord of Rings trilogy of films, then you're probably aware that it helped create one of the best practical effects, design, and collectibles companies in the world called Weta Workshop.

Today, we've got a very cool announcement - the company is teaming up with publisher Private Division to create a brand-new game set in J.R.R Tolkein's iconic universe. The game is called Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game, and it's set to launch in the second half of 2024 on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).

As for what style of game it is, well, it sounds a little bit like The Hobbit meets Nintendo's Animal Crossing in that there's no real action or orcs or armies of Sauron to contend with - instead, you'll live out the idyllic life of a Hobbit living in the Shire.

4

The development team at Wētā Workshop Game Studio described it as a "cozy Hobbit life sim," with all of the "life sim" action taking place in the town of Bywater.

4

"We're excited to provide players with the opportunity to fulfill 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 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."

Here's a look at the Key Features.

Welcome Home, Hobbit - Play as a Hobbit, directly out of J.R.R Tolkien's beloved books! Personalize your appearance and brandish your best Hobbit attire with an array of customizations. Decorate your own Hobbit home and transform the cozy space with grid-free placement to position furniture home décor to your liking. Discover the wonders each new day brings to Bywater as you settle into your serene homestead for much needed rest.

Food Is Love - No Hobbit's day is complete without food. Fish, garden, and forage to stock up the pantry with the fruits of your labor. Harvest for seasonal crops and flowers as time passes in your homestead. Enjoy the warmth of the kitchen and show off your culinary chops with recipes for mealtimes. Partake in second breakfast or host a dinner party with fellow Hobbits. Share meals with invited guests to create new relationships.

Explore Bywater - Explore the outdoors to discover secret glades and lost treasures of the Shire. Experience the ever-changing weather that affect daily routines and seasonal surprises based on time of year. Gain rewards through your story progression. Meet iconic characters and familiar Hobbit families to trade for upgrades to skills, clothes, home, and more. Join club missions to complete daily activities and help gain official village status in Bywater.