A Hobbit Day Showcase | Tales of the Shire Exclusive Inside Look

[@ZarkAttack]

I'm REALLY hoping they find a way to incorporate smoke-ring blowing. Pipeweed is a really big part of Hobbit culture and economy.

[@DrFranklynAnderson]

Hopefully including tobacco won’t affect the rating? I assume they’re going for E, but don’t know the ESRB’s rules on depictions of smoking. Edit: I’m trying to avoid spoilers but scrolled through a “first 90 minutes” vid and the guy couldn’t find a way to buy a drink at The Green Dragon. That’s going to be disappointing if the game’s rating excludes tobacco AND alcohol, seeing as they’re such an important part of hobbit culture!

[@barrybarry8564]

@@DrFranklynAnderson it's too offensive in this day and age

[@Lunastrad]

Especially if they did something even half of what LOTRO does with different shapes per type of pipeweed

[@DrFranklynAnderson]

@@barrybarry8564 I mean "too offensive" depends on who you ask. From what I can see, use of alcohol and tobacco seems to straddle E10+ and T ratings for the ESRB. New Zealand's OFLC rating system seems similar, with Cuphead and Stardew Valley (both E10+) being PG and The Big Con (ESRB T) being M.

[@ヤラセは正義]

@@DrFranklynAndersonわ😊

[@peasie227]

I love Everything qbout this game so far. My Only suggestion/hope is a change of their lighting system to something more atmospheric. The bright single-source lighting makes the models look washed out and distracts from the details

[@MultiJessable]

I agree with you, the shades and texture are missing for me. I miss some depth.

[@romario5080]

100% agree. It needs soul shading

[@Tom-mk7nd]

It reminds me of the Hobbit game from 2003, which isn't probably a good thing considering how old that game is. I don't mind the cartoonish feel but it lacks soul or an overarching aesthetic, it's too generic. A better inspiration would be Don't Starve.

[@BasedWukong]

@@Tom-mk7nd That hobbit game was actually good. This tho? Trash.

[@Tom-mk7nd]

@@BasedWukong oh don't get me wrong. I love that game too! But it's worrying that this one doesn't at least look better.

[@rodgew974]

Pipes, pipeweed, brewing ale and fireworks parties are all a must. These are vital parts of hobbit life. Please, please, multi-player this - the community will stay loyal longer if you allow folk to walk into their friend's hobbit holes to look around. If you multi-player this, it could become huge. What could possibly be more cosy than living in the shire with friends

[@ShadeMoon42]

@@rodgew974 lotro is your friend

[@EvilGremlin100]

Brewing ale, beer, stouts, bitters and cider would be a great mechanic. Same with pipes and pipeweed flavours or different kinds and colours of fireworks.. Maybe certain hobbits only like certain drinks? Maybe it gives them a "social lubricant" buff where they're extra chatty, meaning you raise their friendship faster.. they each like certain types of fireworks in specific colours, specific material of pipes and specific flavours of pipeweed.. maybe you can wow them with smoke tricks or learn new ones from them... Of course, this is a quaint and charming little game, so if a hobbit gets too merry from their alcohol, they should just get sleepy and have a nap.. rather than getting drunk and embarrass themselves.. I feel that wouldn't be fitting with the aesthetics of the game

[@ShadeMoon42]

@@EvilGremlin100 you can do this in lotro, this game is a sim using the Tolkien name but having very little in common other than hobbits.

[@EvilGremlin100]

@ShadeMoon42 yeah I gathered it was gonna be a very un Tolkien hobbit-sim. Still gonna get it though. Has that quaint charm that would really chill me out

[@LightSaberSlime]

This game needs two features! 1. Multi-player, at the very least local co-op, I would love to visit my wife's hobbit hole and help her setup a dinner party. 2. Pet ALL the creatures! Ducks, geese, cows, sheep, ponies, they all need to be pet! EDIT: Also, where are the dogs and cats?

[@jennyross5645]

Yes to the pets! Let me pet all the animals and let me collect all the pets I want. Lol.

[@ryancurtis1996]

You only pet domesticated animals irl let’s be real here

[@jennyross5645]

@ryancurtis1996 This is not real life. This is Middle Earth! And some ppl, like myself, have pet non domesticated animals before. Don't ruin our fun.

[@gingerbreadandtea]

I endorse number 2 with all my heart and soul. Would not mind local co-op.

[@M-gf9gu]

I really hope they add multiplayer! I wanted to play this with my wife.

[@J-LynnMcLean]

Flower gardens! And flowery languages, that is what I'd like to see more of! Flowers are an important part of hobbit culture and it'd be so cool to gift and recieve and grow our own flowers ❤

[@Coreman221]

The only complaint that I have is that I didn't see a single hobbit with a pipe and blowing smoke rings.

[@chrismax18]

It’s probably to do with getting a good rating for the game. Smoking/drug references make it harder to get a family friendly rating

[@Faygo33]

That sadly doesn't fit with the games vibe

[@Lorgar64]

​@@chrismax18Sacrificing accuracy for a good rating is a bad idea.

[@anton-ke4qz]

We must have mod for this )​@@chrismax18

[@DjiemYT]

@@Lorgar64 Not if you're trying to make money.

[@freedomridge695]

Hoping to see game expansion to other parts of the Shire. Make it big. A huge map with loads of opportunity. Bigger than the LotRO map of the Shire.

[@Javilafleur-90]

Where are the shadows? It looks beautiful but plain, put some more contrast please. Same for the characters. I really want to play this but it’s giving me 2000 games vibes with the lack of shadows and contrast.

[@amberdeyuliis7886]

The art style of the landscaping is so pretty! I'm really glad the game is getting more time in the oven I'd prefer the game come out precisely when it means to

[@sonorasays]

BEYOND EXCITED!!! 1. definitely would like multiplayer (across platforms if possible) 2. would like to be able to have a pet, maybe that can even adventure around with us if we want 3. not sure if this is already in the works but would love if we can keep animals like ducks, chickens, sheep, etc.

[@ShadeMoon42]

@@sonorasays lotro is your friend

[@Star_09LoveMotherGaia]

I also it happens like what you mentioned here too 😂

[@femaleKCRoyalsFan]

The developer better tell the Nintendo E shop to update the release date because it still says 2024

[@justinmillard8196]

I’m still waiting for the game to be listed on the eShop in my region Australia which often requires a German listing first. They’ll get around to updating it all some time after the Americas get back to work after the weekend.

[@DirtHutCaver]

Using birds as the quest finder is such a cool idea! :D

[@enchantedecho57]

I have to admit, I was a little disappointed when I initially heard the release date had been pushed back to 2025 as I'd been looking forward to snuggling up during the Christmas hols to play this - but I appreciate that you're all working so hard to make this as perfect as can be, and I absolutely cannot wait to play it! March 25th can't come soon enough!

[@TheRatsCast]

Not so much to me. I believe in the idea that more time in the oven, as it were, helps to make a better game

[@Star_09LoveMotherGaia]

And hope no war that time 😮..so Hope the light team win so no war

[@benfoote9945]

So they will have until the end of the third age to get it done? 😜

[@Rob_Kp]

Every time they say cozy do a shot

[@LovelyRising]

This looks like it could be a pretty fun title. I’m seeing some good, creative design elements here. Something that’s really throwing me off though is the simplicity of the character models / textures. I’m all for a simpler, stylized graphics style, but these character models and some of the landscapes seem to be lacking detail in an underbaked sort of way. When character models are too simple, it makes it very difficult to empathize with them, and I get the impression that empathizing with the other villagers and feeling that really immersive connection with them is going to be a vital element for this game. Cleaner, smoother shapes, and more fine detail in the visual department would go a long way for this title. Stylized graphics are supposed to give games longer lifespans, but what I’m seeing here already looks like a 10-15 year old game.

[@nerdy_senpai]

100% agree

[@robo7643]

There's something about the eyes that is kind of uncanny/eerie.

[@nerdy_senpai]

@@robo7643 the foliage is horrid

[@rombbu3134]

I feel like the animations are lacking and make the game feel old and uncanny. The simple graphics aren't bothering me as much

[@Cletus-Hellfire]

Agreed. Apart from that it looks decent. A bit like MySims but Hobbit version. Hobbits are village life people so it is fitting.

[@djmckay4869]

I've always wanted a game where I could live as a hobbit. I never thought it would become a reality and yet here it is. I am so excited and can't wait to move to the Shire!

[@Gothicat_]

You can be a Hobbit in LOTRO too

[@drewn6395]

We need to be able to smoke pipe weed and brew ales. We should be able to purchase pipes from a shop and choose which brand of pipe weed we want to buy. Won’t feel like the Shire without those two.

[@LovelyRising]

Pretty sure this is supposed to be an all ages game, considering the simplicity of the graphics style and gameplay. The inclusion of alcohol or tobacco use would make it T for Teen.

[@taurus7sun]

this is likely a childrens game rated E. introducing weed and alcohol would bring it to a T rating, which might not be what theyre going for

[@robo7643]

​@@taurus7sun in the books pipeweed is more like tobacco, not actually cannabis 😅

[@taurus7sun]

@@robo7643 regardless these are mature themes which would change the rating from E to T

[@drewn6395]

@@taurus7sun I watched a stream of the game on another channel, and they show Gandalf smoking a pipe. I mean, you’re probably right, but those two aspects will be sorely missed.

[@mrsmarr3308]

What's important for me is the ability to effectively play the game with the UI toggled off entirely. I love feeling that total immersion and there's nothing better than it taking up all of my field of view to do it! I tend to memorize the buttons I need and can always toggle the UI right back on when I need it. Another thing I really hope to see is some degree of the snarky hobbits. This place doesn't need to feel like perfection, just cozy. And there's always someone we don't get along with! Bring in someone who gives a bit of sass ;)

[@realnerdethan]

Looks good! I do hope there is a weather system so not every day is perfectly sunny.

[@princepsbellum3413]

This game will no doubt be enjoyed by dozens of people.

[@goblez5900]

This game needs more diversity, where are the goblin refugees?

[@Apricoth311]

Wooot on that release date in March of 2025. Thank you for the video - I loved every moment of it!

[@masterroasti5588]

It’s really refreshing to see people still making games for the N64. You guys are really pushing that 64bit cpu to the max huh?

[@tracymartell4040]

I hope there is a multiplayer mode like in Stardew Valley, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing! I would love to visit my friends' Hobbit holes! Also a Tom Bombadil and Goldberry Easter Eggs outside the Shire would be amazing!

[@HappyHobbit]

Happy Hobbit Day, everyone!

[@mervzillan7070]

I didn't see anything about smoking pipeweed or brewing ales. Please dont make this a controversial issue. it's what hobbits do, and the game needs better lighting and shadows. I want to curl up to my fireplace and see proper warm lighting. Also, please make it multiplayer or coop. Otherwise, this just feels like it could be a mobile game.

[@rodgew974]

Here, here. Well said.

[@chalexdark2925]

My excitement for the release of this game knows no bounds, and I find myself eagerly awaiting its arrival. I had hoped for the possibility of a multiplayer or co-op mode, to share my humble hobbit hole with a fellow traveler! Though I imagine such a feature may be hard to come by at launch, perhaps it might find its way into a future update? To all those hard at work on this creation, I send my best wishes (hoping you may avoid the perils of crunch). Thank you for bringing to life the dream of many-allowing us to dwell, if only for a time, in the heart of the Shire.

[@MeisterMiso]

I mean the gameplay looks kinda clunky.. I hope it will be good, I rly rly need something, anything related to LotR that comes out these days to be good. A cozy game playing a hobbit, farming and smoking pipes? Sounds good. Please dont let this be a lazy cash grab again. PLEASE.

[@rubbertoe4278]

Lovely ideas and gameplay mechanics! At the moment tho the game seems quite dull and honeslty not very cosy! all the colours are cold in value and there is next to no lighting/shadows other than occlusion shadows. I think looking at a game like Botw and how its world is shaded would really help this game come to life a bit more. It seems the outside world has a little more atmosphere but the generic greyness of everything indoors is worrying, i want to feel that cosy hobbit vibe!

[@therealannkay]

Exactly what I felt and thought watching the showcase. There's something missing with the graphics, some form of lighting / atmosphere or even more little details and textures. It feels a little bland and cold to me.

[@rubbertoe4278]

@@therealannkay yup, my partner (a game concept artist) also pointed out the lack of texture, everything looks like it’s made of the same material. I’d be happy if it was made by a small developer but it’s Weta so I’m expecting more, given the fact they should be the studio to do the world the most Justin visually with all their experience with Tolkien’s work

[@therealannkay]

@@rubbertoe4278 You're making a really good point, because I actually enjoyed looking at all the concept art they showed a lot more than the actual game! WETA should be able to translate that into the game. I hope they take the time until (pushed back) release to polish the graphics and add what's missing :/ I REALLY want to play and love this game 😭

[@ScioTabula]

So, this is for the PS2 or Gamecube?!

[@leyvainprose]

Definitely would love to experience the shire as a whole don't know if it's just going to be the little village but seeing Bag End and the Farm where Sam And Frodo Run into Merry and Pippin would be nice to explore. It looks like the kind of cozy game I'd love to experience. I'm excited to see if there is a courting aspect to the game, where you develop a family. Seasonally it would be great to see the really big parties and festivals, and how they change the look of the village. Smaller stuff like how do rainy days feel in the game, what kind of sports do they play and the like. Can you have snowball fights and make snow-hobbits in the winter where you can then have competitions with the townsfolk to see who can dress their snow-hobbit the best! would to see a pipe smoking minigame. I can't wait to see what the game has in store!

[@ghostlightx9005]

I assume those graphics are placeholder? Especially the hobbits, they look absolutely terrible.

[@ThePrinceofRainVT]

Let's see if it lasts longer than Concord.

[@CardSharkOfficial]

Hoping we'll have opportunities to explore around the countryside a bit. Not gonna lie the life of a shirrif or a bounder, or a postman (posthobbit?) while a bit outside the core gameplay, would do nicely to frame the cozy little village of Bywater into the wider Shire and Middle Earth. After all, a thick blanket and a fireplace are all the more cozier when there is a storm outside.

[@ShadeMoon42]

@@CardSharkOfficial lotro is your friend

[@CardSharkOfficial]

@@ShadeMoon42 naaaaaah, clearly doesn't scratch the same itch. I had more in mind the Hobbit game that came out in 2003 for properly hobbit-sized "adventure". Or the introduction of the One Ring pen & paper RPG where the worst that comes is disturbing the peace with fireworks, or "reacquiring" one of Bilbo's maps from the house of mathoms under the nose of an overly friendly and noisy Yorkshire terrier. Foolish hobbits things really.

[@banjokazooie370]

So far the best adaptation of lotr shire is lotro. All the quests are about helping the hobbits in their day to day activities like delivering mail and pies and defending them from bears when they are collecting honey. There is also an event centred around beer where you have to take a drink in each pub in a time limit while the screen gets more blurry and your character sways the more you drink. I am hoping this has a similar feeling and keep close to the book.

[@bettyguilliamsrealtor]

I’m not much into games but I love LOTR specially since my visit to NZ.. the Weta cave and our tour guide Mr Hammond peek himself. It’s been a few years but I will never forget the visit to the valley of the people of Rohan!!!!!

[@jennyross5645]

Hoping to go there one day! How long is a long enough vacation to see everything and enjoy exploring?

[@bettyguilliamsrealtor]

@@jennyross5645 not ever long enough lol. We were on a cruise and missed hi button due to a cyclone where we could not anchor and debark. My plan is to go back though

[@JubileeWhispers]

Eeeee I loved getting to see behind the scenes! Thank you for working so hard on this amazingly cozy game, I can't wait to get back to Bywater and The Shire 🍃💚

[@abdulazizalfayez8016]

Ah, finally after all these years, a new Dreamcast game.

[@soadaniels]

A game is measured by how many places you can sit. I hope that if you can decorate your house endlessly, you'll actually be able to sit down, unlike with Geralt, who looked like he had hemorrhoids. If it's cozy, let me sit and watch the day go by!

[@S1mpleHum4n]

What we need is a few good taters.

[@yogsothoth0115]

What are taters

[@S1mpleHum4n]

@@yogsothoth0115 Poe-tay-toes!

[@Ravencos]

8 days ago? Looks more like 8 years ago. These graphics are absolutely horrendous.

[@Benxito808]

Tolkien doing 360 in his tomb

[@Linchen3105]

Ja, sieht wirklich sehr sehr schön aus aber ich bin etwas skeptisch was die Aktivitäten angeht, wirklich „nur“ angeln, kochen und sammeln? Ich denke das wird auf Dauer langweilig weils immer dasselbe ist 🤷‍♀️ aber ich lass mich überraschen 🙏

[@borntoeatpotatoes]

This has got me excited! Really glad y’all are giving it more time instead of rushing it out.

[@autisticcozygamer]

I wish the game was voice acted! I feel like the voices of charachters from Tolkiens world are playing huge role in movies and I think it would makenthe game much better❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bobbidouble3501]

Love voice acted games! It really makes the characters feel more alive and real.

[@notah-yb5ez]

Prime example of toxic positivity "epitomy of safety and comfort" lolol

[@ellietwig]

very excited to curl into my couch to play this game! hoping that aside from seasonal changes we can also see weather (rain, cloudy days, snowstorms, etc). and i second everyone who is asking about tending to farm animals (sheep, cows, chickens). i know horses are rather large… but we can’t forget bill the pony can we? regardless, can’t wait until next year!

[@andrerodon3921]

I'm excited about the idea but the vote is still out on the execution. I like the saturated colors but I'm not a fan of the character models - they're kinda ugly to me. Cozy goes hand in hand with cute, so I guess we'll see. A big thumbs up for the inclusion of pipes/pipeweed and brewing. I think cheese making would be another excellent addition. Fingers crossed for this game!

[@seriesredundancy]

I love how dedicated these comments are to smoke rings

[@bradsinfield6373]

It looks absolutely everything I hoped. I just hope eventually they plan on integrating co op or an animal crossing type multiplayer for us couples or friends

[@raffitchakmakjian7498]

my wife's boyfriend and I can't wait to play this!

[@vnemzer]

Congratulations to Weta Game Studio Team!! Great job! I can’t wait to play!

[@davidmaclellan1175]

My wife and I are excited for this game! Hope Multiplayer and/or Co-op will be a feature

[@guildem]

Where are the shadows ??? 😮

[@dharmascholar]

Tailoring & making your own outfits would be great if it's not already planned.

[@King_Zer1]

Can we get a game like this for Rivendell?! 🙏🏼🤞🏼

[@taurus7sun]

would be a fun idea for a DLC but doesnt really make sense as the game is called "tales of the shire" not rivendell

[@robo7643]

​@@taurus7sun they said "like this", meaning a different game set in Rivendell

[@taurus7sun]

@@robo7643 ok

[@OakParkGardener]

Will there be lots of gardening content? That's the part I'm looking forward to the most!

[@thedaydreamwalker3474]

I'm really hoping for multiplayer support! My girlfriend and I would be in bliss playing this slice of hobbit life together!

[@Druwuwho1337]

Hmm odd how all the comments are 90% only positive. Whilst the like to dislike is at 55% to dislike. You wouldnt be deleting comments, now would ya !?!?!

[@mathieuavisse4623]

a game about hobbits where a most likely can t drink a beer and smoke pipe 😂😂😂😂

[@123elliejo]

Just seen the bath so can they actually use the bath or is it just going to be an ornament? Same with other objects can you interact with them?

[@lekt6992]

Hope they will add an option for turning on pipe smoking and beer drinking features. I really wish to have possibility to just sit back in the end of a game, in my library and smoke a bit. Also, i hope enough decorations will be interactive, like, that would be great to read actual LOTR in your library in hobbit hole.

[@b-l1969]

DO need some sort of multiplayer... I want to visit my friends village, help them out with gardening. etc!!

[@Chummsy]

I can't wait for this game. It looks even better than I imagined! I didn't expect there to be so many intricate systems but I'm glad they went this route!

[@ShadeMoon42]

@@Chummsy LOTR is your friend

[@dw4124]

No shade on anyone involved with this game, but I wish marketing people had a little more faith in game developers to speak from the heart instead of making them read from a script - I know there's specific points they want to get across in this video, but to force non-actors to read them on camera makes it seem forced and actually makes them look less excited about the game

[@mscapeh4451]

And dei ruins Tolkien s vision

[@expensiverice955]

Its beautiful! But honestly its sooooo bright! No shadows or warmth. The game is almost blinding and it makes it seem less soothing to play. Its very adorable and pastely, but almost way to "cute" amd silly looking

[@squidhands6941]

In the collections book I would love to see a section for animals observed or interacted with. I don't know how many wildlife/agricultural animals will be included in the game, but a place to keep track of all the ones you have seen would be neat. Similar to the "peeping" feature in Grounded. Brewing different drinks would also be super neat as this is a key part of Hobbit culture. Pipeweed smoking should be included as well! I know a lot of others have said the same thing. Potentially there could be a way at the beginning of the game to toggle on an 18+ mode so if parents do not want their children playing with pipeweed or alcohol in the game, this could be omitted. But for the main audience, which I believe will be adults, we can enjoy these important parts of Hobbit Life!

[@ShireCrossing86]

I have always wanted a game like this. But from the showcase, I am very worried about the text size. I am visually impaired. Maybe that’s just the showcase, and it will be OK. Are there options for text size? I’m also a little worried about following the birds, whether or not I will be able to see them. Are there other options to get where you need to go? Really looking forward to this, and I hope I will be able to play it without any trouble.

[@jonathanlarsson4608]

I hope the old forest and farmer Maggot's farm is included in some manner.

[@explosev6513]

It’d be so cool if we could set up our own worlds that friends can join and create on

[@EvilGremlin100]

I adore the birds as objective markers mechanic.. maybe you can equip multiple birds of different colours for different quest? Like 1 main, 1 side, 1 fetch, 1 custom marker? Which colour birds are you following now? Black birds? White? Blue? Brown? They all can be there and help the nature atmosphere feel more alive

[@IIARROWS]

Did someone manage to make something set in Middle Earth that's not bad? Not my type of game, but I'm crying.

[@Elexian]

It’s 2024, why are you using graphics from the early 2000s? This game looks bad!

[@rayspore]

Wow I can't believe it's coming out on my birthday and being a huge Tolkein fan of Lotr and hobbit books that I've read, it's an absolute dream to be able to play a nice cozy game for a Hobbity fan, superb, I love the customisation in the house it so cool, I loved the old Lotr games aswell and played them all, thanks Weta I can't wait.

[@sarahhunter872]

I would love to play this online with my mom!!

[@mochapops6458]

Please please PLEASE add a multi game or friend feature so we can look at friend's hobbit holes or live in the shire together.

[@MachoChannel213]

Looks fantastic!! Can’t wait to play it in March next year 🎉🎉 it’ll be the perfect rebound I’ll need after coming back from New Zealand lol

[@dakotatwilight]

I play on switch only and am so excited for this game, when it showcased on the Nintendo indie showcase. I was looking forward ton play it over the winter here in northern hemisphere. But I would rather wait to have a better stable game (thinking of our older switch) that you have more time to finetune it better yet. I have watched two content creators reviews, one full 90 minute play through and plan to watch a few more. I fully see the difference in you behind the scene contend creation and the 90 minute play through. So I am hoping for a more defined catalogue of choices in character and gifting possibilities with our new found hobbit friends in Bywater. I would love the possibility at some time to be able to give our friends clothing to wear not that I don't think their outfits to be wonderful, but trying our own hand at such creations would be lovely as an example. I was early access for DDLV and it has changed since it went full access so much for the better, and it never ceases to amaze me what they find to improve and refine matters. I am looking forward to more tidbits and perhaps at some point a 90 min play through for switch. I am so excited to the future. As I am visually impaired I would love adaptive capabilities, simple things like enlarged text and/or boxes, toggle to make repetitive motions, repeated pressing of one button as example, to a simple hold button motion, your art style makes it quite adaptive already.

[@ticcimarie5187]

I have some troubles reading, and it seems like there's a lot of reading evolved in this game. Is there going to be disability settings for people like me who can't read, blind people and hard of hearing people? It would be amazing to see more games come out with options to help the disabled. Looks like a fun game hoe I get to play!

[@cptblargington7556]

I love this soooo much! And for the people who are like, “this isn’t lord of the rings it’s WOKE DEI stuff!!!” this game is for a different group. I have Shadow of War and all of the other LOTRs games and my fiancé and mom will really enjoy this as the hobbits and shire is perfect for letting them enjoy one of their favorite universes in a setting and game more their speed and style

[@KiyiyaNuntis]

Will it have multiplayer compatibility? It would be super fun to visit friends hobbit holes!

[@orcalost2466]

I cannot wait, it looks so beautiful! Can we talk about how the DWARF WOMEN HAVE BEARDS?! That's gotta the best feature and I may or may not have squealed with excitement when I saw it. 😂❤

[@Revelationscreation]

Yep that’s accurate… but how come there are dark skinned hobbits, pretty sure Tolkien described them to a T… 🤦

[@orcalost2466]

@@Revelationscreation Okay my friend, I'm gonna reply to this as if you had no bad intentions and weren't trying to be racist. This game is inspired by Tolkien lore, it's not supposed to be an exact replica of his works. That means, we can customize it to our liking and also to include people of color, who were (and in a lot of countries still are) oppressed and underrepresented. Secondly, Tolkien lived at a time and a place, where this oppression was very widespread and he probably didn't have a lot of contact with said people, so he didn't think to include them in his works. But we now understand, that every human deserves to be included in every aspect of life, thus there can be dark skinned hobbits. I hope that helps.

[@Revelationscreation]

@@orcalost2466 his books were not racist and fantasy books since then have also separate race based on geographical location… GOT for example. Also LOTR does have a group of coloured people who live to the south… easy to integrate this into a game some how instead of attempting to change Tolkien law. There’s not bad intentions but this game certainly does have biased intentions with changing his works. It’s also coordinated with tithe changes such as ones shown in the ROP series which also had darker skin Harfoots (which in the series they are claiming are the predecessors to hobbits- in the books this is not the case). There’s not a single racist intention in my post, it’s 100% justified complaint about law… imagine if you played a video game about African folklore and characters were replaced by white characters… this would be dumb would it not and an active change on a story that the game developers do not own and are only licensing! Also racial oppression has nothing to do with LOTR’s, nothing objectively racist ever goes on in the books. The racial bias at the time does not condone the race swapping of a species of humanoids that’s were described as white in the books. For the longest time, races were divided geographically, how has it now become racist to write that fiction book that’s inspired by medieval Europe? 🤦

[@orcalost2466]

@@Revelationscreation I see your point and I think as long as you're not actually being racist, your opinion is valid. I still disagree because I think the point of the game isn't to be lore accurate but rather to include everyone, which I think is way more important. We got the lore accurate books and the Lotr movies and now everything else can be fan fiction and is still good. You don't have to play it if you don't like it.

[@MehIgotnothing]

This is very reminiscent of LOTRO and the festivals around the Shire. This looks lovely ❤

[@brendo7363]

They seem more like teletubbies than hobbits. Hobbits are interesting and layered people, capable of generosity, kindness and bravery but also greed, laziness, small mindedness and xenophobia... Its clear that the creators are a million miles from the culture that created hobbits and have just flanderized them.

[@GormediosProductions]

Wrong. Being a hobbit is about living in the shire and looking at the clouds and eating food , placing props in your house adds a whole dimension of gameplay that has infinite unlimited creative potential. This game is a masterpiece.

[@amylouGaming]

I can't wait. So excited to play this game.

[@kie7124]

This is so cute !! I'm looking forward to it, even though I'm not a big LOTR person

[@KHysiek]

I don't get why in such kiddie game many Hobbits look sick and unwell.

[@Gafiltha]

I agree with the Pipeweed and Ales, however why not go for full Voice Acting??? Sure there are tons of wonderful talented New Zealand voices that can bring more character and life to these hobbits.

[@SirZaphod42]

I don’t recall hearing anything about birthday gift giving. It’s as important as pipeweed but I can understand why that’s not there

[@nixxie2390]

Is there gonna be a map we can download to help us get about Bywater? I do end up getting lost in games like this without one (& the maps in tolkien are core, afterall!)

[@mervzillan7070]

The game will have a map. It's shown in beta gameplay footage.

[@SaraRuasPeloMundo]

I visited Hobbiton with my fiancée this July and playing this game will feel next level to us!!

[@robinshelton2132]

Inn and Village square felt a bit quiet (needs some people sound ambiance in BG (even though its a text based game) Also please let us sit anywhere! on the grass, by the pond side, etc. Always miss a sit button in games like this.

[@jasisadragon]

This is everything I never knew I needed, I absolutely cannot wait for this to release!! (will it be playable on mac?)

[@abbath1586]

Game needs a first person option to take in the views when exploring

[@Mari-321]

This looks nice! Watched NotR's video, how he used the hobbit customizer. Please add an option for really furry feet! In the book it says hobbits did not need SHOES because of their soles and the hair, so that means ALL the upper side of their feet would need to be covered, more like fur actually. Would appreciate it if you added that as an option ;) - All the best, happy hobbit day :)

[@nicksampanis9335]

Bring Co-Op and this game can be the best of all time.!🎉

[@violetfern9885]

The armored duck is a nice touch lol.

[@elliemuffin]

Looks amazingly cozy!!🥰 Now I'll just have to decide if I want the switch version or steam version...or both lol

[@matthewdeklerk3457]

Needs to be cosier. Colours are all flat. Makes the game seem lifeless. Why are the greens of trees so muted? Needs way more activities. Decorating your house is a one off event. Fishing = yawn grinding from runescape. Where the farming? Seasons? Is there any light combat at all? Crazy that stardew valley exists, was made by one guy, and you didnt borrow even a single idea. Like its free, you jave the gooddam lord of the rings license and could make stardew middle earth. Seems like a golden opportunity thats just going wasted

[@frzBAW]

Soooo no online?