Defying Convention: The Lord of the Rings: Gollum Redefines Heroism

Unlike typical video game protagonists, Gollum is not a powerful hero. Instead, he is a complex, nuanced character who embodies a different kind of strength. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Daedalic's level designer Nika Dvoravic explains the appeal of building a game around this unconventional character. According to Dvoravic, Gollum's physical limitations actually make him a more versatile and agile character, allowing for a unique gameplay experience that focuses on stealth, traversal, and parkour. The game's design encourages players to feel empathy towards Gollum, who is often overlooked as a compelling protagonist. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum eschews the open-world format in favor of a more focused, linear approach. Dvoravic notes that many open-world fantasy games fail to deliver meaningful content, instead opting for empty, sprawling environments. In contrast, Daedalic's game features massive, yet linear levels that provide a sense of scope and scale. The game's emphasis on stealth and strategy allows players to approach challenges in a variety of ways, making it more accessible and engaging. Dvoravic aims to avoid frustrating players with overly choreographed sequences, instead providing a range of hiding opportunities and sneaking mechanics. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum has launched to mixed reviews, but its willingness to take risks and challenge conventional hero archetypes is noteworthy. Dvoravic hopes that the game will inspire others to create more complex, nuanced characters and explore new possibilities in gameplay and storytelling. She believes that physically weaker characters can lead to more interesting and immersive experiences, and that the industry could benefit from more games that feature complex, relatable protagonists like Gollum.