Would-be Hobbits around the world have some bad news to handle this week, as Private Division and developer Weta Workshop have announced a delay for their life sim Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game. Previously expected to release in late 2024, it’s now been shuffled back to early 2025.
Tales of the Shire is in development for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC, and we’ll get our next look at the game during A Hobbit Day Showcase on 22nd September.
The team’s statement reads:
“All of us here at Weta Workshop are excited to have you join us in the Shire, a peaceful corner of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. When a new Hobbit steps into Bywater for the very first time, we want that moment to be everything you’re hoping for.
“To ensure we deliver that vision, Tales of the Shire will now be launching early 2025.
“Thank you for your patience and continued support. Be sure to tune in to our A Hobbit Day Showcase on September 22nd to learn more about Tales of the Shire and our new release date.”
As you’d expect from a life sim, this will all be about living out a day-to-day life as a Hobbit. Players will be able to fully customise their own Hobbit in Tales of the Shire, and be able to furnish their Hobbit homes in various ways. Stepping out into Bywater, players will be able to help the other residents with tasks, go foraging, cook, and do some gardening too. The key part is just living a comfortable life and making friends with those around you. Lovely.
Source: Twitter