After being delayed, new Lord Of The Rings game Tales Of The Shire has shared 16 minutes of gameplay in a new video.

Originally due for release later this year, Tales Of The Shire was delayed to 2025 earlier this month. However, design agency Weta Workshop and Take-Two Interactive’s Private Division have given fans an in-depth look at the cosy game, by way of a new gameplay video.

The 16-minute clip, shared by IGN, showcases the opening moments of Tales Of The Shire, with fans able to create their own Hobbit, getting a lift with a familiar looking wizard and exploring the village of Bywater.

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Developers have also shared an in-depth look at the game to coincide with Hobbit Day, with September 22 being the birthdate of both Frodo and Bilbo Baggins from The Lord Of The Rings books.

“We really just want Tales Of The Shire to feel like a warm hug,” explained one developer in the video. Studio director Tony Lawerence added: “We want playing Tales Of The Shire to be a chance for you to slow down a little bit, to lose yourself in a world that’s a little brighter, a little warmer and a little more cosy than the real world.“

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After being delayed to allow developers time to achieve their vision for Tales Of The Shire, Weta Workshop has now confirmed that the Lord Of The Rings game will launch March 25 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam.

“There are many tales of Middle-earth. Tales of courage and brave deeds in dark times. But that is not our story. For this is one of new beginnings,” reads the game’s description, with players encouraged to live out their idyllic Hobbit fantasy “in the wonderfully serene landscape of the Shire”.

In other news, the revived Tango Gameworks might be working on a sequel to celebrated rhythm-based action game Hi-Fi Rush.