Warhorse Studios just dropped a bombshell. The Czech developer behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance is officially creating an open-world RPG set in Middle-earth. No more whispers or leaks—this is the real deal.

The announcement came via their official social media, confirming a long-rumored project. Alongside this Tolkien-based RPG, Warhorse also revealed plans for a new Kingdom Come adventure. So, they’re not abandoning their medieval sandbox roots anytime soon.

Details remain scarce. No release date, no gameplay footage, and no story hints. All we know is it will be an open-world experience in Tolkien’s iconic setting. Given Warhorse’s track record, expect realism and immersive mechanics, not flashy fantasy clichés.

The studio earned its stripes with Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s razor-sharp focus on historical accuracy and challenging gameplay. The sequel, released in 2025, polished those elements and gained better reviews. Applying that approach to Middle-earth is an intriguing gamble.

Middle-earth is no medieval Bohemia, but it’s a logical next step. The rich lore and sprawling landscapes suit Warhorse’s style. Orcs, dragons, and hobbits will replace swordsmen and archers, but the grounded combat and world-building should remain.

Warhorse’s parent company, Embracer Group, recently reorganized its holdings under Fellowship Entertainment, focusing heavily on Tolkien properties. This move signals big ambitions for multiple games in the franchise, not just this one.

Meanwhile, Amazon’s cancelled Lord of the Rings MMO leaves a gap in the market. Their gaming division still holds a deal with Embracer, hinting at parallel projects. Warhorse’s announcement might pressure other studios to step up or step aside.

One question remains: Will Warhorse keep the first-person perspective from Kingdom Come games or shift toward a third-person style like The Witcher 3? The answer could shape the game’s appeal and accessibility.

Daniel Vávra, co-founder and creative force behind Kingdom Come, is currently tied up with the franchise’s live-action adaptation. His involvement in the new projects is uncertain but likely, given his stake in the studio.

Warhorse’s bold move places them among top European RPG studios like Larian and CD Projekt. Their Middle-earth RPG could redefine Tolkien games, focusing less on spectacle and more on depth.

For now, fans must wait. The studio promises more details “when the time is right.” Until then, the prospect of a grounded, immersive Lord of the Rings RPG remains one of gaming’s most tempting mysteries.