Tales of the Shireis set to bring a fun dose of coziness to the summer gaming calendar, as first-time developer Weta Workshop gives gamers a taste of Hobbit life.The Lord of the Ringsfranchise is usually focused around the more harrowing events that take place in Middle-earth, butTales of the Shireis pumping the brakes on all the action.
This is a bold risk on Weta Workshop’s part, but it’s also quite intriguing. A slow-paced, relaxation-focused take onThe Lord of the Ringscould be the perfect change of pace for the series, but there’s another way this can be done, too. For those wanting a blend of slow pace, darker themes, and more intense moments, a stealth game centered aroundan adventurous Hobbitcould do just the trick.
The Lord of the Rings Should Get a Second Chance at a Hobbit Stealth Game
The Infamous Launch of Gollum
The idea behindtheGollumgamewas compelling, but the execution was way off. Gollum seems like the perfect character fromThe Lord of the Ringsto center a stealth story around, but the game ultimately missed the mark. Despite its failure, a stealth-centric game that follows a Hobbit could hold a lot of potential. Whether it be through a completely new character, Bilbo, or Frodo, there is still room for a game based onThe Lord of the Ringsto play around with a story more focused on sneaking around.
Tales of the Shireis set to launch on June 14, 2025.
Bilbo’s Knack for Stealth Sets the Story of The Hobbit Into Motion
InThe Hobbit,Bilbo is recommended to Thorinspecifically because of his ability to be a sneaky asset. InUnfinished Tales, Tolkien gives insight into how Gandalf came to choose Bilbo, stating to Thorin, “Hobbits move without effort more quietly than any Dwarf in the world could manage, though his life depended on it. They are, I suppose, the most soft-footed of all mortal kinds.” When it comes to sneaking past the dangers of Middle-earth, Hobbits are simply the best creatures for the job, just as they are the perfect choice for an easy-going game.
Bilbo may be a Hobbit, but he’s far more drawn to a life of adventure compared to his neighbors, and it could set the stage for an incredibly fun story based around the character.The Hobbitbook and film adaptationsare great, but getting a game version of the story’s events could offer a fresh take on his journey.
Tales of the Shirewill be available on the Switch, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Hobbits move without effort more quietly than any Dwarf in the world could manage, though his life depended on it. They are, I suppose, the most soft-footed of all mortal kinds.
Tales of the Shire May Influence Future Lord of the Rings Games
Right now, a lot of fans ofThe Lord of the Ringsare eager to find out ifTales of the Shireproves to be a hit or a miss. It’s been a difficult few years forThe Lord of the Ringsgame adaptations, so it would be great to have a strong win. Of course, the wait must continue, but onceTales of the Shiredrops this summer, players will finally get to see what the game has in store.
If successful, it will be interesting to see ifTales of the Shireinfluences the franchise’s future game adaptations. It would be exciting to finally return to the moreaction-packed side of Middle-earth, but until then,Tales of the Shirecould kickstart a more relaxing period for the beloved fantasy series.
