No epic battles, no Rings to destroy, no black riders to flee. And yet, Tales of the Shire remains a game stamped with The Lord of the Rings. That's precisely what makes it so interesting. Scheduled for release on July 29, 2025, this title by Wētā Workshop and published by Private Division takes everyone by surprise by offering a new approach, a cozy life simulator in the Shire. And today, a new trailer is available.
A Peaceful Adventure for the Lord of the Rings
In this new gameplay trailer, we get a closer look at what The Lord of the Rings Tales of the Shire has in store for us. The player embodies a Hobbit, settled in the peaceful village of Bywater. The goal? Live peacefully, enjoy the passing seasons, chat with your neighbors, and participate in village life. This is a far cry from the classic action games based on Tolkien's universe. Here, everything is calm, colorful, and warm.
On the agenda: fishing, gardening, cooking, home improvement, exploring the surroundings... The game emphasizes relaxation and immersion in a bucolic version of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings. And along the way, you might even come across Gandalf the Grey, proof that the connection with the original work remains very present, even in its lightness.
An artistic direction that hits the mark
The visual style of The Lord of the Rings Tales of the Shire plays the card of watercolor cartoon, with detailed settings and a luminous atmosphere that evokes games like Animal Crossing or Cozy Grove, but in a much more narrative setting. Every house seems warm, every field exudes tranquility. The care taken in depicting the Shire shows the developers' affection for Tolkien's universe, but also their desire to offer something other than the eternal war between Good and Evil.
This gentle and contemplative tone could appeal to a new audience, not necessarily fans of action games, but attracted by relaxing experiences and immersive worlds. A fundamental trend in the video game industry, which this Lord of the Rings Tales of the Shire fully embraces. Tales of the Shire will be released on July 29, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Source: Private Division
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