Anthlon Games is partnering with Middle-earth Enterprises to release a new Massively multiplayer online game (MMO) about The Lord of the Rings.
LOS ANGELES — Sept. 4, 2018 — Today, Athlon Games, a global publisher of console and PC games, announced it has signed a long-term licensing agreement with Middle-earth Enterprises to develop and publish a video game based on The Lord of the Rings. Athlon Games is working with a partner developer to create an online game set in the world of Middle-earth™ at a time long before the events of The Lord of the Rings, exploring lands, people and creatures never seen before by fans of the Tolkien universe.
“We are extremely pleased to work with Athlon Games to create a new, immersive game experience, exploring epic regions in Middle-earth during the years leading to the events of The Lord of the Rings,” said Fredrica Drotos, Chief Brand & Licensing Officer at Middle-earth Enterprises. “Athlon’s game will allow millions of Middle-earth fans throughout the world a unique opportunity for fellowship and epic exploration.” (Source)
A very exciting news for all the MMO players and Tolkien fans! It looks like the game is going to be competing directly with the upcoming Amazon TV Series, which will be set before The Lord of the Rings as well.
For more than a decade, the only MMORPG about The Lord of the Rings has been The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) by Standing Sone Games. The game allows you to live the adventures of the Fellowship journey through Middle-earth all the way to Mordor.
LOTRO Community Manager Cordovan stated: “The news will not have any impact on our development plans or licensing. We always welcome competition, and wish them the best of luck!” (Source)
It looks like Middle-earth fans are going to have a lot to look forward to!
