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Kingdom Come Dev Teases Lord Of The Rings Game And Next Kingdom Come Project
Warhorse Studios is developing two new major projects: an open-world RPG set in the Kingdom Come universe, slated for release between April 2027 and March 2028, and a deeply immersive game set in The Lord of the Rings universe. The studio also confirmed a movie adaptation of Kingdom Come is in development.
Microsoft agrees to pay $250m to settle lawsuit over Activision Blizzard deal
Microsoft has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class action lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden AP7, which alleged that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick rushed the sale to Microsoft. The lawsuit claimed shareholders were deprived of a better stock price, though Microsoft and Kotick denied the allegations. The settlement, pending court approval, will be funded 40% by Microsoft and 60% by directors' and officers' liability insurance.
Something for the Bank Holiday Weekend – 23/05/26
This week's news includes the end of Destiny 2 development and major layoffs at Bungie, alongside the 10th Warhammer Skulls event. PlayStation State of Play will feature Wolverine, and new titles like Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV and F1 25 DLC were announced. Embracer is splitting, and Sony's single-player games will no longer release on PC.
Four years later, Microsoft finally finishes fighting over the Activision acquisition
Microsoft has settled a lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden for $250 million, resolving allegations that Activision Blizzard was sold too cheaply during Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition. The settlement also dismisses countersuits filed by former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and Microsoft. This resolution concludes a legal dispute that arose after the acquisition was finalized.
The future of European publishing is diversity, not concentration | Opinion
Despite financial struggles at major European publishers like Ubisoft and Embracer, the continent's game publishing sector is thriving with smaller, focused companies. These firms prioritize creative niches, sensible scale, and long-term stability over rapid growth, producing successful titles across various genres and demonstrating a diverse and healthy industry landscape.
An Open-World Middle-Earth RPG From Kingdom Come Studio Is Officially Happening
Warhorse Studios has officially confirmed it is developing an open-world RPG set in Middle-earth, with more details to be revealed later. The studio, owned by Embracer, is also working on a new entry in its Kingdom Come series. This announcement follows Embracer's acquisition of Middle-earth Enterprises and its stated goal of a 'Lord of the Rings Renaissance'.
Amazon Reportedly Cancelled The Lord of the Rings MMO, But "Remain Excited About The IP"
Amazon Games has reportedly cancelled its upcoming The Lord of the Rings MMO, which was announced in 2023. Despite the cancellation, the company stated it remains excited about the intellectual property and is exploring new game experiences. This news follows significant layoffs at Amazon in October 2025 that impacted various projects.
Amazon reportedly cancels Lord of the Rings MMO
Amazon has reportedly cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMO, with sources indicating the decision followed layoffs in its Games division. While not confirming the cancellation, Amazon Games head Jeff Gattis stated the company is exploring a new game experience within the franchise. Layoffs impacted teams working on both the Lord of the Rings MMO and the New World game.
Report: Amazon cancels The Lord of the Rings MMO
Amazon Games has reportedly canceled its announced Lord of the Rings MMO, though general manager Jeffrey Gattis stated the team is exploring a new game experience for the IP. The MMO, a collaboration with Embracer, faced development challenges including layoffs and a broader strategic shift within Amazon's gaming division. Amazon Games has also recently seen other projects canceled or studios acquired.
Amazon Still Eyeing A Lord Of The Rings Game After Reported MMO Cancellation
Amazon Games is still pursuing a new The Lord of the Rings game, despite multiple MMORPG projects being canceled. The company's latest attempt at a Lord of the Rings MMO, in partnership with Embracer, was reportedly canceled in 2025 amid layoffs. Amazon previously partnered with Leyou for another Lord of the Rings MMO that was canceled in 2021.
Despite Gothic Remake's glow-up, it's still the scrappy eurojank RPG it always was, and that's fine with…
Gothic Remake aims to preserve the challenging and open-ended nature of the original eurojank RPG, despite some early-game limitations like invisible walls in the preview build. Developed by Alkimia Interactive, the game retains the core vision of the late Piranha Bytes, offering a sense of discovery and requiring players to work for their progress in a unique penal colony setting.
Kingdom Come devs respond to Lord of the Rings game rumour: "I cannot disclose details but I can tell it is a huge, immersive RPG"
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 developers Warhorse Studios are responding to rumors that they are developing a Lord of the Rings game for Embracer. While not confirming or denying the speculation, content director Ondrej Bittner stated they are working on a "huge, immersive RPG." Community manager Tom Grey also addressed the rumors on Reddit, indicating they cannot comment on future projects.
Amazon is downscaling cloud video game service Luna
Amazon is significantly scaling back its cloud gaming service Luna, discontinuing individual game purchases and access to third-party stores like EA, GOG, and Ubisoft. Existing direct purchases will cease to function on June 10 without refunds. This strategic shift follows departures from Amazon Game Studios and a broader company focus on core strengths, including a re-launch of Luna and a partnership for the Tomb Raider franchise.
Following rumours of Warhorse Studios visiting Middle-earth, Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics is now said to be working on a Lord of the Rings game too
Rumors suggest that Crystal Dynamics, known for the Tomb Raider series, is developing a new game set in The Lord of the Rings universe. This follows earlier reports that Warhorse Studios is also working on a Lord of the Rings title. Embracer, the parent company, has declined to comment on the speculation.
Tomb Raider dev creating new Lord Of The Rings game claims report
Crystal Dynamics is reportedly developing a new third-person action game based on The Lord of the Rings, aiming to compete with Hogwarts Legacy. The title is said to be in development for some time and is partially funded by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. There are also rumors of other Lord of the Rings projects, including a potential remaster of The Lord of the Rings: War in the North.
Rumours point to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 developer Warhorse Studios working on a big Lord of the Rings game
Rumors suggest that Warhorse Studios, known for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, is the lead developer for a new Lord of the Rings action game. This project, partially funded by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, is reportedly designed to compete with Hogwarts Legacy and is being built with Unreal Engine.
Eidos Montreal Layoffs Due to Cancellation of “Wildlands,” In Development Since 2019 – Rumor
Eidos Montreal has laid off 124 employees following the cancellation of its internal project codenamed "Wildlands," which had been in development since 2019. The cancellation is also reportedly responsible for the shelving of a new Deus Ex title. Sources indicate "Wildlands" was nearly complete and in the debugging phase, with development plagued by engine changes, a massive budget, and narrative conflicts.
Eidos Montreal studio head departs as it lays off another 124 employees 'across production and support teams'
Eidos Montreal has laid off 124 employees across its production and support teams, and studio head David Anfossi has departed. This marks another significant reduction in workforce within the game industry, following numerous other studios that have implemented layoffs since 2023.
Union workers send a message to game industry execs: 'Let go of the power now, or be forced to let go of it later.'
Unionized video game workers attending the GDC Festival of Gaming sent a strong message to industry executives regarding power dynamics and recent mass layoffs. Speakers urged leaders to address worker concerns and consider the human impact of business decisions, warning that resistance to change will ultimately be futile.
Crystal Dynamics 'Fully Committed' to Tomb Raider Franchise Despite Fourth Redundancy Round in 12 Months - IGN
Crystal Dynamics has undergone its fourth round of layoffs in 12 months, reducing its workforce by 20 employees. The studio stated it remains fully committed to the future development of the Tomb Raider franchise, including the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst. This news comes despite the studio's acquisition by Embracer in 2022 and ongoing development of multiple Tomb Raider titles.
