Tales of the Shire’s Art Style Is a Great Lesson for LotR Games

There is certainly no shortage of Lord of the Rings games out there, with the industry taking full advantage of the IP when and where they can. However, while there may be no shortage of Lord of the Rings video games, the market is somewhat short on unique titles based on the IP, with most of them adopting the art style and imagery established by Peter Jackson’s film series. This is ultimately where Weta Workshop and Private Division’s upcoming cozy farm life sim Tales of the Shire comes in, with an art style that is unlike any Lord of the Rings game that has come before it.

Tales of the Shire‘s art style is incredibly distinct, and while that might make it difficult to justify it as a Lord of the Rings game at first glance, that judgment is likely the result of decades of being exposed to the same dark, serious imagery of Middle-earth. As such, while Tales of the Shire‘s art style may be a tough pill to swallow for some, there might be a lesson in there somewhere for future Lord of the Rings games, especially given how many of them have missed the mark.

Related

Tales of the Shire Can Still Address One of Its Biggest Criticisms Before Release

While its release date is quickly approaching, Tales of the Shire might still have enough time to tweak an area that has already garnered criticism.

Tales of the Shire’s Art Style Should Inspire Future LotR Games to Be So Bold

Tales of the Shire’s Art Style Offers a Contrasting Perspective of Middle-earth

Tales of the Shire‘s genre and gameplay are already a significant departure from what Lord of the Rings fans have become accustomed to over the last couple of decades, and its unique art style only further solidifies that. Depictions of Middle-earth in gaming have long applied dark and moody tones to their imagery, showing the grittier side of the War of the Ring and other contentious times and events throughout Middle-earth’s history. Tales of the Shire, on the other hand, adopts a cozy life-simulation approach, which is ultimately reflected in its warm, cartoonish art style.

Ultimately, Tales of the Shire‘s art style offers a contrasting perspective of Middle-earth than most Lord of the Rings games have in the past with their emphasis on epic battles and dark landscapes. By leaning into more whimsical imagery, Tales of the Shire can showcase the pleasant and peaceful side of Middle-earth, which is especially necessary with a setting like the Shire. In the long run, this allows players and Lord of the Rings fans to have a more well-rounded experience with the IP’s representation in gaming, and it’s something future LotR games should consider adopting as well.

Tales of the Shire’s Art Style Broadens Accessibility and Appeal

Tales of the Shire‘s unique art style also broadens the accessibility and appeal of the IP. Gamers who might not even be Lord of the Rings fans, perhaps even on account of its traditionally more serious tone, may still find themselves drawn to Tales of the Shire. The game’s warm and inviting visuals are likely more apt to attract a much broader audience than other Lord of the Rings games may be capable of, especially those who prefer the more relaxing gaming experience that Tales of the Shire aims to provide.

All in all, Tales of the Shire represents a big move for the Lord of the Rings IP in gaming, and although its success or lack thereof has yet to be determined, its art style offers undeniable evidence of what a LotR game can accomplish if it reaches beyond the borders of tradition. If future Lord of the Rings games were to venture into this unfamiliar territory by showcasing the brighter side of Middle-earth, perhaps the IP’s fan base would not only grow, but LotR games might also see their reputation finally restored.

Game

My Favorite Games
My Played Games
My Games Wishlist

Life Simulation

RPG

Adventure

Released

March 25, 2025

Developer(s)

Wētā Workshop