Warhorse Studios, the Prague-based team behind the well-received Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, might already be working on its next title — a Lord of the Rings RPG, according to some industry insiders. This rumor first appeared in a report by Game Rant citing an industry insider, suggesting Warhorse is linked to a previously mentioned open-world adaptation of Tolkien’s work.
No official word has come from Warhorse, Deep Silver, or any rights holders yet. This rumor remains unverified, and Warhorse hasn’t shared any details about their upcoming projects.
The timing feels logical. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 launched on February 3, 2025, and has already received over 78,000 Steam reviews with a 93% positive rating — that’s impressive for an RPG of its kind. This commercial success gives Warhorse a solid foundation to pursue a larger licensed intellectual property. The game is currently priced at $59.99 on Steam and still maintains nearly 20,000 concurrent players, indicating that the studio’s reputation is strong.
Warhorse gained recognition for its historically accurate, simulation-driven RPG design, featuring systems-driven combat and authentic settings. However, whether this approach will mesh well with the fantasy realm of Middle-earth is uncertain. Previous Lord of the Rings games have varied widely, from Shadow of Mordor‘s praised Nemesis system to several licensed titles that struggled to attract players. An open-world Tolkien RPG from a studio like Warhorse could present a fresh and exciting opportunity.
The situation regarding the Lord of the Rings gaming rights has been shifting. Embracer Group previously held the rights after acquiring Middle-earth Enterprises, but they sold that division along with the LOTR and Hobbit IP to Freemode (which used to be part of Embracer’s entertainment sector) during their 2024 restructuring. It’s unclear who currently controls the interactive rights for new game development and what agreements have been made with publishers.
| KCD2 Steam Reviews | 78,152 |
| Positive Review Rating | 93% |
| Current Steam Price | $59.99 |
| Current Concurrent Players | 19,368 |
| KCD2 Release Date | February 3, 2025 |
The community’s feelings about Warhorse are mixed right now. While KCD2 has received widespread acclaim for its gameplay, the studio has faced backlash over reports of using AI to replace human staff. One Steam reviewer expressed, “The game is amazing. But firing a human with talent, with years of experience, with hopes, with dreams, a PERSON to use ‘AI’ instead of him? I won’t be buying anything from you.” This criticism has led to a surge of negative reviews, contrasting sharply with the game’s overall positive reception. This reputational challenge could linger as the studio moves forward with future announcements.
What To Watch
- Official confirmation from Warhorse or a publishing partner. Any announcement from the studio, whether at a showcase or via a press release, will help determine if this rumor holds any truth.
- Clarity on Lord of the Rings IP licensing. Keep an eye out for any updates from Freemode or publishing partners regarding active game development deals related to the interactive rights of Tolkien’s estate.
- Warhorse’s handling of the AI controversy. If they proceed with a high-profile licensed project, how they address the AI staffing issues will impact community sentiment and media coverage leading up to the release.
