Amazon is definitely geeking out over the work of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Amazon Game Studios announced Wednesday that it plans to develop a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game based on Tolkien’s signature fantasy work “The Lord of the Rings.” Amazon is partnering with Leyou Technologies Holdings and Middle-earth Enterprises, according to a news release.
The game news is in addition to Amazon Studios’ separate development of an Amazon Original television series based on “LotR,” which was announced in November 2017.
The game, which will be developed for PC and consoles, will be set in Tolkien’s vast world of Middle-earth portrayed in the literary trilogy. Tolkien’s book series was named Amazon customers’ favorite book of the millennium in 1999.
“We’re committed to bringing customers games of the highest quality, both with our own original IP as well as beloved cultural pillars like ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” Christoph Hartmann, VP, Amazon Game Studios, said in a statement. “Tolkien’s Middle-earth is one of the richest fictional worlds in history, and it gives our team of experienced MMO developers — from the same studio developing ‘New World’ — tremendous opportunity to play and create. We have a strong leadership team in place to helm this new project, and we’re actively growing our team to help build this incredible experience.”
No release date has been set.
