The Wheel of Time’s New Video Game Must Meet High Expectations

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Summary

  • The Wheel of Time franchise is getting a new video game adaptation, promising an open-world AAA RPG experience.
  • Fans can expect the game to cover everything in the books and additional backstory, with it said to be spending approximately 3 years in development.
  • To ensure success, the game could draw inspiration from similar successful titles like The Witcher 3 and The Elder Scrolls.

In the realm of fantastical literature, The Wheel of Time franchise is undeniably one of the most significant and lasting ones. It might be compared to Game of Thrones, but Robert Jordan’s epic saga extends over two decades and encompasses more than a dozen novels, as well as additional supporting content. Over time, The Wheel of Time has maintained its popularity in high fantasy due to its detailed world-building, complex mythos, and varied array of characters who both adhere to and challenge common genre stereotypes.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t contain my excitement as I recently heard some tantalizing news: A video game adaptation of “The Wheel of Time” is in the pipeline! Though details are scarce at this stage, with only the announcement that it’s underway, the anticipation surrounding this project is immense. Given the rich history, iconic status within fantasy literature, and the passionate fanbase that “The Wheel of Time” commands, the creators have a significant challenge on their hands to deliver an immersive gaming experience that matches the caliber of its source material.

As a devoted fan, I sadly bid farewell to Robert Jordan in 2007, leaving behind his epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time, incomplete. However, the final three main books were skillfully crafted by another esteemed fantasy writer, Brandon Sanderson, utilizing Jordan’s valuable notes he left behind.

The Wheel of Time’s Upcoming Video Game Adaptation Will Need to Aspire to Stand Out

The Wheel of Time Was Long Overdue for Another Video Game Version

Spanning a substantial fifteen novels from 1990 to 2013, the epic series “The Wheel of Time” boasts a rich and extensive universe to explore. Interestingly, there was a prior video game based on this franchise, an FPS developed by GT Interactive, which hit shelves in 1999. Despite its lackluster sales, it was appreciated and well-received during its release. Fast forward to 2022, Night Dive Studios made the title available once more on GOG.

2021 saw the debut of a live-action series based on “The Wheel of Time” on Amazon Prime TV, as the show completed its third season. Given that this appears to be an ideal moment, it could be beneficial for the franchise to venture back into gaming and leverage the current technology and design trends to breathe life into their world and characters for fans in a new medium.

The Wheel of Time Video Game Adaptation Is Set Up for Success, So Long as it Sticks the Landing

The next game, based on the world of “The Wheel of Time,” is being developed by a recently established division of iwot Studios (previously known as Red Eagle Entertainment), who now hold the IP rights. This new venture will be overseen by Craig Alexander, who previously led Turbine, the original studio behind “Lord of the Rings Online.” Notably, “Lord of the Rings” served as a significant inspiration for “The Wheel of Time.” The upcoming game is billed as an open-world AAA RPG and is expected to take approximately three years to complete. As stated by CEO Rick Selvage, the project aims to encompass all elements from the books, including background details.

Almost every part of “The Wheel of Time” could easily be adapted into a game, given that the essentials and finer details are handled correctly. However, creating an experience that truly does justice to the original source material is no easy feat; past attempts have faced some pitfalls, such as the 2023 controversy surrounding “The Lord of the Rings: Gollum.” To ensure a successful adaptation, it may be beneficial to study certain titles that have managed to maintain quality in their adaptations.

  • The Elder Scrolls
  • Final Fantasy 16
  • The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Using some examples, we can outline a solid plan for how iwot could develop an exceptional “Wheel of Time” game that leverages its rich source material, honoring its legacy and delivering a game experience that fans will remember fondly.

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2025-05-01 13:06