Warhorse Studios Confirms Open-World Middle-Earth RPG and New Kingdom Come Game

May 20, 2026 — Warhorse Studios, the Czech developer behind the critically acclaimed medieval RPG series Kingdom Come: Deliverance, has officially announced two major projects in development: an open-world Middle-Earth RPG and a new entry in its signature Kingdom Come franchise. The confirmation, made via social media, marks a significant expansion for the studio and its parent company, Embracer Group, which holds the rights to Middle-Earth Enterprises.

While details remain scarce, the announcement signals a strategic pivot for Warhorse, leveraging its expertise in historical open-world design to tackle one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.

— ### The Open-World Middle-Earth RPG: A Bold New Direction Warhorse Studios’ first confirmed project is an open-world Middle-Earth RPG, a departure from its previous work but one that aligns with the studio’s strengths in immersive, historically grounded game worlds. The announcement specifies that the game will be set in Middle-Earth but does not yet clarify whether it will focus on the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings or The Silmarillion, or explore an original timeline. Key takeaways:

• Open-world design: Warhorse’s reputation for meticulous world-building—seen in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II—suggests a similarly expansive, player-driven experience, though with fantasy elements.
• No direct confirmation of era: While rumors initially pointed to a Lord of the Rings-themed game, Warhorse has not specified whether the RPG will follow the Third Age or venture into earlier mythological periods.
• Embracer’s Middle-Earth ambitions: The project aligns with Embracer’s broader strategy to revitalize Middle-Earth IP, including potential partnerships with other studios and media adaptations.

The studio’s teaser post reads: *“You might have heard the rumors, it’s time to reveal what we are working on. 🗺️ An open-world Middle-Earth RPG. ⚔️ A new Kingdom Come adventure. We’re excited to tell you more when the time is right.”* (Source: Warhorse Studios, May 20, 2026)

This announcement follows Embracer’s 2022 acquisition of Middle-earth Enterprises from The Saul Zaentz Company, granting the publisher full rights to develop games, films, and other media based on Tolkien’s works. The move positioned Embracer to compete with Warner Bros. Discovery and other holders of Middle-Earth IP, though past adaptations—such as the Lord of the Rings: Gollum game—have faced criticism for quality.

Warhorse’s approach, however, may differ. The studio’s Kingdom Come series is celebrated for its historical authenticity, emergent storytelling, and lack of hand-holding, traits that could translate well into a Middle-Earth setting. If executed with similar rigor, the RPG could offer a fresh alternative to recent, more action-oriented Tolkien adaptations.

— ### A New Kingdom Come Adventure: What’s Next for the Series? Simultaneously, Warhorse has confirmed development on a new Kingdom Come game, though it has not revealed whether this will be a direct sequel to Deliverance II or a standalone entry. The studio’s previous games—Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018) and its sequel (2022)—set records for critical acclaim and player engagement, with Deliverance II earning Game of the Year honors from outlets like PC Gamer.

Speculation surrounds the new project’s scope:

• Sequel or spin-off? Given the original games’ focus on 15th-century Bohemia, a sequel could expand the region’s lore or introduce new conflicts. Alternatively, Warhorse may explore a different historical setting entirely.
• AI and development: Recent reports suggest Warhorse has used AI tools during development to streamline processes, though the studio has not confirmed whether final assets or gameplay mechanics will incorporate AI-generated content. Ethical concerns have arisen in the industry over AI’s role in game development, particularly regarding creative credit and job displacement.
• Monetization strategy: With Deliverance II offering a Collector’s Edition and vinyl releases, Warhorse may continue blending digital and physical sales, catering to both hardcore fans and casual players.

Warhorse’s parent company, Embracer, has also announced the formation of Fellowship Entertainment, a new unit dedicated to exploring external partnerships for its major franchises, including Legacy of Kain, Deus Ex, and Tomb Raider. This could imply crossovers or collaborations for the new Kingdom Come title.

— ### Why This Matters: Warhorse’s Rise and Middle-Earth’s Future Warhorse Studios’ announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for both the developer and the broader gaming industry:

For Warhorse: The Middle-Earth RPG represents a high-stakes bet on fantasy, a genre the studio has not yet explored. Success could cement its reputation as a versatile developer capable of blending historical depth with immersive world-building.

For Middle-Earth IP: After years of mixed reception—from the divisive Gollum game to the well-received but niche Shadow of War—Warhorse’s approach offers a potential reset. By prioritizing player agency and historical authenticity (even in fantasy), the studio could attract both Tolkien purists and open-world enthusiasts.

For Embracer: The projects align with the publisher’s strategy to monetize its acquired IPs aggressively, particularly as competition in the fantasy genre intensifies with upcoming titles like The Witcher 4 and Elden Ring’s expansions.

— ### Key Questions and What’s Next With details still under wraps, several questions remain:

1. Will the Middle-Earth RPG be a direct Lord of the Rings adaptation, or will it explore original lore?
2. How will Warhorse balance historical realism with fantasy elements? (The studio’s Kingdom Come games avoid anachronisms—will Middle-Earth follow suit?)
3. When will these games release? Warhorse has not provided a timeline, but given the scale of both projects, development could take 3–5 years.
4. How will Embracer market these titles to avoid past pitfalls (e.g., Gollum’s reception)?

Warhorse has not yet shared a trailer, gameplay footage, or additional details, but fans and industry watchers will be closely monitoring updates. The studio’s last major announcement—Deliverance II’s release—was met with widespread acclaim, suggesting that if these projects meet similar standards, they could redefine both the Kingdom Come series and Middle-Earth gaming.

For now, all we have is Warhorse’s cryptic promise: *“We’re excited to tell you more when the time is right.”*

— ### FAQ: What We Know (and Don’t Know) About Warhorse’s New Games

— ### The Bottom Line: A High-Stakes Gamble with Huge Potential Warhorse Studios’ dual announcements signal a bold expansion into fantasy while doubling down on its historical RPG roots. If successful, the Middle-Earth RPG could offer a long-awaited alternative to action-heavy Tolkien adaptations**, while a new Kingdom Come game would continue the series’ legacy of critical praise.