Warhorse Studios, fresh off Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, neither confirmed nor denied reports that Embracer Group hired them to develop a Lord of the Rings game. Content director Ondrej Bittner sidestepped direct questions but described their next project as "a huge, immersive RPG."
The non-denial carries weight. Studios typically stay silent on unannounced projects under contract, making Bittner's vague affirmation of scale and scope potentially telling. Warhorse built reputation on deep, historically grounded RPG design with Deliverance 2's medieval authenticity and systemic complexity. A Middle-earth adaptation would align with their strengths.
Embracer owns the video game rights to Tolkien's works through Embracer's Asmodee division. The publisher remains aggressive with the license. After EA's Battlefront collaboration ended, Embracer green-lit multiple Lord of the Rings projects. The War for Middle-earth strategy game launches this year. The Hunt for the Wilderland mobile title also entered development. Gollum released to mixed reception in 2023.
Warhorse's involvement would signal Embracer's commitment to AAA Lord of the Rings experiences beyond smaller initiatives. Deliverance 2 releases March 4, 2025, giving Warhorse runway before any formal Lord of the Rings announcement. The studio expanded significantly post-Deliverance success, hiring additional staff specifically for future projects.
What remains unclear: scope, platform targets, and timeline. A massive RPG set in Middle-earth demands years of development. Warhorse's hand-crafted design philosophy conflicts with rapid production cycles. If confirmed, expect a 2026 or 2027 launch at earliest.
THE TAKEAWAY: Warhorse