After weeks of swirling speculation, Warhorse Studios has finally put the rumors to rest. The developer behind the acclaimed medieval sandbox Kingdom Come: Deliverance is officially working on an open-world RPG set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. But that’s not all—they’re also crafting a new Kingdom Come adventure, though the details remain tantalizingly vague. Below, we break down the biggest questions about these twin announcements.
- Were the Lord of the Rings RPG rumors actually true?
- What’s the story behind the May 1st speculation?
- Is Warhorse making two games at the same time?
- What exactly does “Kingdom Come adventure” mean?
- Could the new LOTR game be similar to Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
- When can we expect more news about either project?
Were the Lord of the Rings RPG rumors actually true?
Yes, they were. Since early May, whispers had been circulating that Warhorse—best known for their gritty historical RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance—was secretly developing a Lord of the Rings game. The studio has now officially confirmed that they are indeed creating an open-world RPG set across Tolkien’s Middle-earth. This ends months of tense anticipation for fans who had been “hanging on tenterhooks,” as the original report put it. The confirmation came in a announcement that also revealed another project in the works, making it a double dose of exciting news for RPG enthusiasts.
What’s the story behind the May 1st speculation?
The rumor mill started spinning on May 1st, when journalist Edwin reported that multiple sources pointed to Warhorse working on a Tolkien-themed RPG. At the time, the studio stayed silent, allowing the speculation to grow. Fans parsed every hint, from job listings seeking fantasy world designers to social media posts with vague references to Middle-earth. The lack of denial only fueled the fire. Now, with the official confirmation, it’s clear that those early whispers were spot-on. The timing suggests Warhorse was simply waiting for the right moment to reveal their ambitious plans, which include both a new IP and a return to their beloved historical universe.
Is Warhorse making two games at the same time?
Yes, the studio announced they are developing two major titles concurrently: the Lord of the Rings RPG and a new Kingdom Come project. This is a bold move for a developer that previously focused on one game at a time. The dual development suggests Warhorse has expanded its team significantly or is leveraging external partners. While some worry about stretched resources, the studio’s track record with Kingdom Come: Deliverance—a game that punched above its weight—inspires confidence. Both projects clearly hold high priority, and fans can expect distinct experiences: one set in a fantastical world of elves and orcs, the other rooted in gritty historical realism.
What exactly does “Kingdom Come adventure” mean?
Warhorse used a deliberately ambiguous phrase: “a Kingdom Come adventure.” This could mean anything from a full-fledged third game in the historical RPG series to something entirely different. The phrasing leaves room for a spin-off—perhaps a smaller, story-driven title that explores a different era or character within the same universe. Some fans have even jokingly speculated about a rhythm game where you “clop your horse’s hooves in time to the beat of Greensleeves.” Until Warhorse reveals concrete details, we can only hypothesize. What’s certain is that it will be set in the same authentic medieval world and will probably maintain the series’ signature depth and attention to historical detail.
Could the new LOTR game be similar to Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
While both are open-world RPGs, don’t expect a mere reskin of Kingdom Come: Deliverance with orcs. Warhorse’s Lord of the Rings game will likely draw on their strengths—immersion, realistic systems, and deep world-building—but applied to a high-fantasy setting. That means you’ll probably navigate a detailed Middle-earth, encounter iconic races like hobbits and dwarves, and engage in combat that feels weighty yet magical. The studio has proven they can blend historical authenticity with player freedom, so the Tolkien universe offers a new playground for those skills. However, expect more fantastical elements—like wizards, magic rings, and ancient evils—that require a different design philosophy than the purely historical Kingdom Come.
When can we expect more news about either project?
Warhorse has not provided a timeline for additional reveals. Given the early stage of both games, a full gameplay showcase might still be a year or more away. The studio is likely hiring aggressively to support dual development, and we may hear teasers or concept art before a major trailer. Historically, Warhorse has been careful to avoid over-promising, so they’ll probably reveal details only when the projects are in a polished state. For now, fans should keep an eye on Warhorse’s official channels and major gaming events like gamescom or The Game Awards. The wait may be long, but based on their track record, the payoff should be worth it.