Tales of the Shire: Why It Needs to Break Free from Hobbit-Only Decor!

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As the release date for Tales of the Shire continues to move closer to July, anticipation builds among fans of Tolkien’s world and life simulation games. Originally slated for release earlier in the year, delays may have provided developer Weta Workshop with additional time to enhance aspects of the game, such as its interior decoration. While early previews received some constructive criticism, the extra development time could result in a more robust game upon launch. In terms of the game’s aesthetic, it will be interesting to see if Weta Workshop has considered adding items that deviate from the warm and inviting feel that Tales of the Shire initially promised.

Tales of the Shire Needs to Explore Outside its Setting for Decor

In simpler terms, “Tales of the Shire” is more than just a game set within J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe, as it exclusively takes place within the peaceful land of the Shire. Players can design their own Hobbit character and customize their very own Hobbit home while tending to crops, fishing, cooking, and engaging in other common activities found in simulation games. To keep things interesting, it might be wise for “Tales of the Shire” to incorporate decor based on various regions of Middle-earth and non-Hobbit characters, rather than solely relying on Hobbit-themed items, which could potentially become repetitive for players.

While it’s true that Weta Workshop’s new decor style for Tales of the Shire could bring a fresh perspective, there are some constraints to consider. The game’s setting within Middle-earth during the time between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy is what makes this diversification appealing. However, the chosen timeline could potentially limit this change, as characters like Frodo and his fellowship might not be included due to their later appearances in the trilogies. Consequently, the game’s decor might primarily reference events that occurred prior to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, depending on Weta Workshop’s commitment to Tales of the Shire’s specific time period.

How Weta Workshop Could Add Non-Shire-Related Decor

In The Hobbit, other parts of Middle Earth are highlighted, offering glimpses of decor from Rivendell and the Lonely Mountain (Erebor). These items might find their way into Tales of the Shire’s in-game store, priced higher to cover trading costs. After all, traversing Middle Earth can be perilous and costly.

In the game Tales of the Shire, you could expect to see a variety of treasures inspired by Smaug, statues representing characters from Tolkien’s universe such as Gandalf the Grey, and props modeled after the weapons and gear used by various characters. These props are intended for decorative purposes only, given that combat isn’t featured in Tales of the Shire’s gameplay, and also because Hobbits typically avoid conflict. Since players owning these items wouldn’t fit well with the game mechanics or Tolkienverse lore, detailed descriptions for weapons like Durin’s axe, Glamdring, and others might not be provided in-game, but they would still make for interesting collectibles. Additionally, items from Amazon’s Rings of Power series could serve as non-Hobbit collectibles, while Harfoot ancestor collectibles should definitely be considered.

If Weta Workshop desired to introduce elements from the “Lord of the Rings” that deviate from the canon, maybe they could label these items with a distinctive symbol to facilitate effortless discovery for those aiming for an incredibly realistic gameplay, who wish to steer clear of such divergent content.

In the end, it’s Weta Workshop that decides what goes into the “Tales of the Shire”. At the moment, they are busy readying their new simulation game for its launch. However, incorporating decor and items inspired by the architecture and characters beyond the Shire would undoubtedly enhance “Tales of the Shire” and delight fans of the Tolkienverse eagerly awaiting the upcoming simulation game.

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2025-03-28 01:05