Relationship-building and cooking are set to be integral elements in the upcoming game, “Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game,” when it launches on July 29. Engaging with new characters and assisting them with their aspirations are at the heart of what this game offers. After experiencing delays due to layoffs and organizational tweaks, it’s gearing up for its anticipated release.
Stephen Lambert, the game’s creative director, recently shared insights into the role of relationships and cooking in this life simulation game. The game faces high expectations, not only because it’s rooted in the beloved “Lord of the Rings” universe but also due to the competition from popular cozy games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. The developers have now unveiled details showing how they plan to meet these expectations head-on.
The journey to the game’s release hasn’t been without its hurdles. Originally announced in 2023, “Tales of the Shire” was postponed twice—shifting first from 2024 to March 2025, and eventually to July 2025. The game also had to navigate layoffs and a shift in its studio’s management, moving from Take-Two to a new entity led by former Annapurna Interactive staff. Despite these challenges, the game is slated for launch on July 29, and as the date draws near, more exciting details are emerging.
In a chat with PlayStation on Tolkien Reading Day, March 25, Stephen Lambert elaborated on how the game revolves around building a community. Players will encounter new characters, assist them with personal quests, and gradually unlock more of the game’s rich narrative. Importantly, Lambert emphasized that pacing is flexible, allowing players to delve into relationships and character-driven quests at their own speed. This might reassure fans who’ve been disappointed with other recent “Lord of the Rings” games that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Cooking and sharing meals will play a significant role in cementing these relationships. Given that “Tales of the Shire” is inspired by Middle-Earth, it only makes sense that the Hobbits’ fondness for food is a key feature. Lambert explained how crafting meals that cater to each character’s tastes could enhance these bonds. Players will need to gather ingredients, follow recipes, and even finely tune the cooking process—attention to these culinary details adds another layer to the game.
With input from a former chef who now works as a 3D artist on the team, the game ensures that the food depicted is visually stunning. Despite not rolling out on Netflix, “Tales of the Shire” promises a delightful experience this summer on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. Players with a penchant for food-focused and community-driven gameplay will find much to enjoy.
