Will We Return to Mordor? The Future of the Middle-earth Game Series
The burning question on every Lord of the Rings gamer’s mind is: Is there going to be a 3rd Middle-Earth game in the style of Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War? The answer, while not a definitive “yes,” leans towards a hopeful “likely, but with significant caveats.” While no official Shadow of game is currently in development, the industry buzz, Monolith’s job postings, and the enduring popularity of Middle-earth suggest that more interactive adventures in Tolkien’s world are inevitable. However, whether that takes the form we expect is another matter entirely. We must also consider that while we might not get a direct continuation of Talion’s story, other Middle-earth games are coming.
The State of Middle-earth Gaming
The success of Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War undeniably carved a unique niche in the Lord of the Rings gaming landscape. The Nemesis System, in particular, was a groundbreaking innovation, influencing other titles and showcasing the potential for dynamic, emergent storytelling within an open-world environment. These games offered a dark, violent, and sometimes controversial interpretation of the lore, focusing on revenge and power struggles rather than the classic heroic journey.
However, recent developments hint at a shift in direction. Embracer Group’s acquisition and subsequent restructuring, including studio closures and project cancellations, cast a shadow of uncertainty over all their intellectual properties, including Middle-earth. While Warner Bros. Games still holds the publishing rights to games based on Tolkien’s work, the development landscape is considerably more complex than it was during the Shadow of series’ heyday. But, they could revive the series after their restructuring is complete.
Monolith Productions, the developers behind Shadow of Mordor and its sequel, is hinting at a new AAA game. So we will likely see a sequel to one of these amazing games at some point.
Other Games to Watch Out For
Despite the uncertainty surrounding a direct sequel, other Middle-earth games are on the horizon. These include:
- Tales of the Shire: A cozy, hobbit-centric life simulation game developed by Weta Workshop. This offers a stark contrast to the action-oriented Shadow of games.
- The Lord of the Rings™: Heroes of Middle-earth: A mobile strategy RPG, already released, focusing on collecting characters and battling through iconic moments in Middle-earth history.
- An upcoming open-world MMO adventure in a persistent world set in Middle-earth, featuring the beloved stories of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings literary trilogy.
These upcoming games will likely appeal to different audiences. While a direct sequel to the Shadow of games remains uncertain, the wider Middle-earth gaming landscape is far from barren.
Potential for a Shadow of Mordor Successor
Given the narrative conclusion of Shadow of War, a direct sequel continuing Talion’s story seems improbable. However, the core mechanics and the Nemesis System hold immense potential for adaptation and application in different contexts within Middle-earth.
A hypothetical Shadow of Middle-earth 3 could explore different characters and conflicts, perhaps focusing on:
- The early days of the Nazgûl, showing their descent into darkness and servitude under Sauron.
- The conflicts between Elves and Orcs in the First Age.
- The rise of a new threat in Rhûn or other unexplored regions of Middle-earth.
The key would be to retain the core gameplay elements that made the Shadow of series unique while crafting a new narrative that respects Tolkien’s lore. The Games Learning Society is a great place to explore game design and innovative mechanics like the Nemesis System at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Future of Middle-earth Games
1. Will Monolith Productions make another Lord of the Rings game?
It appears so. Job postings suggest they are working on a new AAA title, and their history indicates a high probability it will be related to the Lord of the Rings.
2. What happened to Talion after Shadow of Mordor?
Decades after the events of Shadow of Mordor, Talion succumbs to the corruption of Isildur’s Ring and becomes a Nazgûl, serving Sauron. He is ultimately destroyed with the One Ring.
3. Is Shadow of Mordor or Shadow of War better?
While opinions vary, Shadow of War is generally considered the better game due to its expanded features, improved Nemesis System, and larger scope. However, some prefer Shadow of Mordor for its tighter focus and more original story.
4. Is it okay to play Shadow of War without playing Shadow of Mordor?
Yes, the story of Shadow of War is designed to be accessible to new players, although playing Shadow of Mordor first will enhance your understanding of the characters and lore.
5. Was Celebrimbor evil?
The Shadow of games portray Celebrimbor as a more morally ambiguous character than in Tolkien’s original works. He is driven by a desire for power and control, leading him to make questionable choices.
6. Did Celebrimbor merge with Sauron?
Yes, Celebrimbor is forcibly merged with Sauron through a dark ritual, resulting in Sauron’s temporary physical manifestation.
7. Can Talion beat Sauron?
Talion is able to temporarily destroy Sauron’s physical form but cannot permanently defeat him.
8. How many hours is 100% Shadow of War?
Completing 100% of Shadow of War typically takes around 55-60 hours.
9. Is it worth 100% Shadow of Mordor?
If you are a big LOTR fan, 100% completion is worth the time invested. However, the gameplay can become repetitive.
10. What is the max Talion level in Shadow of War?
The maximum level for Talion in Shadow of War is 80.
11. Was Shadow of Mordor a success?
Yes, Shadow of Mordor was a critical and commercial success, becoming the most successful Lord of the Rings game release at the time.
12. Can you get banned in Middle-earth: Shadow of War?
Yes, cheating in Shadow of War can result in a ban.
13. What new Middle-earth games are coming soon?
Upcoming games include Tales of the Shire, a cozy life simulation game, and an open-world MMO adventure in a persistent world set in Middle-earth.
14. How did Celebrimbor betray Sauron?
Celebrimbor realized Sauron’s true intentions and defied him by hiding the Elven Rings and refusing to give them to Sauron.
15. Is Galadriel older than Celebrimbor?
Yes, Galadriel is significantly older than Celebrimbor.