Electronic Arts and Middle-earth Enterprises are teaming up for a new mobile game. The Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth is now in development as a collaboration between the two companies. The news comes via a press release from the EA website.
The upcoming mobile game will be a free-to-play title. A disclaimer in the announcement hints that in-game purchases will be a part of the game. The Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth is slated for a regional beta this summer. Gameplay details were scarce, but some information was given. Immersive storytelling, deep collection systems, turn-based combat, and “a wide roster of characters across the vast universe of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit” are promised.
Officially, the game is listed as a “collectible role-playing game.” If you’re asking me, this sounds like a gacha game.
Heroes of Middle-earth is a new addition to EA’s mobile portfolio. The press release specifically mentions the company is looking to expand that market in particular. This news comes a week after Blizzard announced a new mobile entry in the Warcraft franchise, Warcraft Arclight Rumble.
The Saul Zaentz Company, which currently owns the gaming rights to Middle-earth franchises The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, is trying to sell them. While Saul Zaentz is mentioned in the press release as a new partner with EA and Middle-earth Enterprises, those rights aren’t discussed specifically.
“We are thrilled to be working with EA once again, this time to bring a mobile game solely inspired by Middle-earth as described in the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien to its fans,” said Fredrica Drotos, Chief Brand & Licensing Officer for SZC’s Middle-earth Enterprises. “It’s an honor to work with the talented Capital Games team whose knowledge and love of the lore is palpable throughout.”
This mobile title is also unrelated to the upcoming Gollum game currently in development.
