Tales Of The Shire: A LOTR Game - Release Window, Platforms, & Gameplay Details

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Wētā Workshop and Private Division have officially announced a new title, , coming later this year. This is the first collaboration by developer Wētā Workshop, known for its work on the special effects in film series, and Private Division, the prolific publisher of indie games ranging from and to and.

Although little but the broadest details are available about, it's finally possible to get a first look at its gameplay. And most importantly, it has a release window, so players who want to return to Hobbiton can clear their schedules in preparation. Here's everything to know about game so far.

is scheduled for release in the second half of 2024, although just what month and day isn't yet clear. Even though the existence of a game developed by Wētā Workshop was teased back in August 2022, little was known about the game until just recently. Its title, along with a couple of pieces of concept art, were revealed in a brief teaser in September 2023. The release date and first gameplay details premiered in the announcement trailer seen above.

will be available on most current-gen platforms, including the Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. There's no word on a release for previous-gen consoles like PS4 or Xbox One yet, so it looks like players on those platforms will need to upgrade for.

takes place in the universe — specifically in the town of Bywater. Players have free rein over the town, a land of rolling hills, babbling brooks, and lush greenery. However, unlike other games, is set in a time of peace. There are no grand adventures, all-powerful rings, or raging battles. Much like the life Bilbo Baggins envisions for himself, is lighthearted, idyllic, and relaxing. It's the first game of its kind in the franchise, and could explore a very different period in The Shire's history.

Although Bywater is distinguished from Hobbiton in the novels and most adaptations, the film version of fuses the two towns for brevity's sake.

In short, is a cozy