The first trailer for Tales of the Shire shows the cozy life of Hobbits
Private Division has finally unveiled the first trailer for Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings game.
Developed by Wētā Workshop Game Studio, Stories of the Shire is a single-player simulation game all about living your best Hobbit life in JRR Tolkien’s Middle-earth, coming later this year on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.
The new footage showcases the game’s aesthetic and idyllic landscapes, as well as the many activities you can undertake as you build your own life in The Shire.
In the town of Bywater, players can explore meadows and visit the local shops of the townsfolk, fish in the local waters, gather ingredients for meals, grow crops and gardens, and even decorate their hole in the ground with a plethora of customization options.
In addition to other leisurely activities, players can also “bring the community together and achieve official village status by hosting the largest Bywater Festival the Shire has ever seen!”
“With a full belly, walk back out to explore the Shire and build relationships with Bywater locals by helping them plant a garden, share one of the many daily Hobbit meals and more,” according to the official description.
“We are excited to offer players the opportunity to fulfill their fantasy by living their own humble Hobbit life in the Shire,” said Kelly Tyson, Head of Product at Wētā Workshop in a press release. “Stories of the Shire adds a fun new dimension to the way fans can experience Middle-earth, with plenty of wholesome, Hobbit-centric gameplay to win over newcomers to the genre.”
The cozy management game was first announced in August 2022 along with a short teaser, so a full gameplay trailer and launch window were a long time coming.
“The team at Wētā Workshop is creating a brilliant rendition of JRR Tolkien’s beloved works, allowing players to create their own Hobbit experience in Middle-earth,” said Michael Worosz, Chief Strategy Officer at Take-Two Interactive and head of Private Division. . “Players are crying out for a warm and inviting match The Lord of the Rings game for years, and it’s exactly what we deliver Stories of the Shire.”