Lord of the Rings is one of the most well-known fantasy franchises in the world. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth has captivated fans for years in books, movies, and video games. Most games based on the series have centered around the heroic quest to deliver the One Ring to Mordor. However, Weta Workshop Game Studio, a New Zealand-based developer, has been making a cozy simulation game called Tales of the Shire. The game was delayed once and was supposed to be released in March. However, the studio announced today the game has been delayed once again.

Lord of the Rings: Tales of the Shire Delayed Again

The game was supposed to be released in 2024 but was delayed until March 25 of this year. Now, Weta Workshop Game Studio is delaying the game again, setting the release date to July 29. The reasons don’t seem concerning. In a post on X, the studio said it wants to make sure everything is perfect at release. Their goal is to make players feel like they have been dropped straight into The Shire and are members of the Hobbit community.

The game promises players a relaxing experience. There will be no orcs to battle and no death-defying quests to complete. Players will get to decorate and customize their own Hobbit holes. They will be a part of a community of halflings, with food and exploration being core parts of the gameplay. Hobbits love to eat, so throwing extravagant parties is a must. Players can establish relationships with other Hobbits in the community as well. The developers hope to tap into the popularity of Lord of the Rings and the rise of cozy games.

The Rise Of Cozy Games

Games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley have become popular amongst many players. While diving into a daring adventure can be fun, sometimes people simply want a low-stress escape from their day-to-day lives. These games do not have the pressure of solving puzzles or defeating enemies with precise attacks. Players simply get to live an alternative life in another world. In this case, players will get to experience life in one of the most famous locations in the Lord of the Rings series.

Final Thoughts

I, for one, am applauding the developers for delaying Tales of the Shire. It’s frustrating for players who are excited to play the game, but I would rather have a polished game rather than one that is full of bugs to fix. Hopefully, the developers can put the finishing touches on the game, and this summer, players can travel to The Shire.