In a recent interview with IGN, Amazon Games boss Christoph Hartmann offered a glimpse into the development of the highly anticipated Lord of the Rings MMO, currently in the works at Amazon Games. While the deal between Amazon and Embracer Group for a new Middle-earth-based MMO was struck in May 2023, details about the game have been scarce. When pressed for an update, Hartmann admitted that there wasn’t much to share yet, but his comments revealed some intriguing insights.
The Lord of the Rings MMO appears to be in its early stages, still firmly in the conceptual phase. Hartmann explained that Amazon Games is “still trying to find the hook, find that idea of what it is because we don’t just want to go and do the same thing over.” He seems to be referencing the abundance of existing MMOs and MMORPGs, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach. “You’ve got to find a fresh twist, and we’re still, I think, in that period where we really want to find out what could be the hook, what could be the thing which is different to all the other games out there. So it’s a little bit early,” he stated.
From Hartmann’s comments, it’s clear that Amazon Games is taking a deliberate approach with the Lord of the Rings IP. The company is likely wary of repeating the experience of New World, a game that saw immense initial popularity but ultimately struggled to maintain its footing, leading to a decline in its player base. The company seems committed to avoiding a similar fate, prioritizing innovation and uniqueness in their approach to the Lord of the Rings MMO. The game’s development is expected to take time as Amazon Games seeks to create a truly compelling and enduring experience that stands out from the crowded MMO landscape.
