Amazon's Second Foray into Creating a Dominant MMO

Amazon is once again attempting to develop a massively multiplayer online game based on The Lord of the Rings. This endeavour marks the company's second attempt, following the cancellation of its initial project in 2020 due to complications with licensing rights. The new project is a result of a partnership between Amazon Games and Middle-earth Enterprises, which controls the rights to JRR Tolkien's works, after the company was acquired by Embracer Group. Hartmann, who has a prior relationship with key individuals at Embracer, facilitated the agreement. He aims to create the largest MMO available, surpassing existing titles such as The Lord of the Rings Online, which has been in operation since 2007. To achieve this goal, Amazon Games Orange County will draw upon lessons learned from its debut title, New World, particularly in regards to technical issues and content demand. The game will focus on stories and characters from both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, presenting the challenge of creating a new Middle-Earth that balances creative vision with familiarity for fans of previous adaptations. Hartmann emphasizes the importance of prioritizing gameplay and accessibility, ensuring that the game is enjoyable for both dedicated fans and new players. The release date for the game has not been announced, with Hartmann stating that it will be released when it is ready, with the goal of creating a game that will remain popular for over a decade.