Introduction
Warhorse Studios, the acclaimed developer behind the medieval RPG series Kingdom Come: Deliverance, has officially declined to confirm or deny swirling rumors that their next major project is a Lord of the Rings video game. However, in a recent statement, the studio offered a tantalizing hint: whatever they are working on, it will be an RPG that stays "true to our colours" – a phrase that has sent fans and industry watchers into a speculative frenzy.
With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 still on the horizon and the studio's reputation for gritty historical realism, the prospect of Warhorse tackling J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary fantasy world raises many questions. Let's explore what we know so far, what the studio has said, and what “true to our colours” could mean for the future of Warhorse's game design.
The Rumors Surrounding a Lord of the Rings Game
Origins of the Speculation
Rumors first surfaced in early 2025 when anonymous industry insiders claimed that Warhorse had secured a license from Embracer Group (which owns the rights to The Lord of the Rings IP) to develop a new open-world RPG set in Middle-earth. The whispers grew louder after job listings at Warhorse mentioned “unannounced AAA RPG project” and experience with fantasy settings – a notable shift from the studio's historical focus.
Community Reaction
Fans of Kingdom Come: Deliverance have expressed a mix of excitement and caution. Many point out that Warhorse's signature attention to historical detail, realistic combat, and dense world-building could bring a refreshingly grounded take on Tolkien's fantasy. Others worry that a licensed RPG might force the studio to compromise its core identity – a fear that the studio's latest statement seems to address directly.
Warhorse's Statement: A Deliberate Silence
What the Studio Said
In response to an inquiry from a gaming outlet, a Warhorse spokesperson offered only this: “We cannot comment on rumors or unannounced projects. What we can say is that whatever comes next, it will be an RPG true to our colours.” The statement stops short of confirming or denying the Lord of the Rings connection, but the choice of words is deliberate.
Interpreting “True to Our Colours”
The phrase “true to our colours” is particularly telling. For Warhorse, this likely means a commitment to deep realism, non-linear storytelling, authentic combat mechanics (including first-person melee), and a rich, historically inspired world – even if that world is now fantasy. The studio has built its reputation on rejecting the shiny, arcade-like RPGs of the mainstream in favor of immersive, simulation-heavy design.
Applying this philosophy to The Lord of the Rings would be a bold move. Imagine a Middle-earth where armor realistically degrades, where NPCs follow daily schedules, where combat is brutal and tactical, and where morality isn't black-and-white. That could be the „true to our colours” experience the studio is hinting at.
What a Warhorse Lord of the Rings RPG Could Look Like
Realism Meets Fantasy
Warhorse's signature approach – historically grounded accuracy – would naturally shift to fantasy authenticity. Instead of researching medieval Czech history, the team would dive into Tolkien's lore, maps, languages, and cultures. Expect a world that feels lived-in, with farming villages, bustling Dwarven mines, and eerie forests crawling with orcs – all rendered with the same meticulous detail as the Bohemian countryside in Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
Combat and Exploration
The studio's renowned first-person melee combat system, which rewards timing and positioning, could be adapted to include swords, axes, bows, and even magic – though Warhorse might treat magic as a rare, dangerous force rather than a flashy spellcasting. Exploration would likely be non-linear, with hidden ruins, quests that branch based on player choice, and a living ecosystem of factions (Gondor, Rohan, Mordor, etc.).
Narrative Depth
Warhorse's storytelling focuses on personal, grounded stakes – think of Henry's revenge story in Kingdom Come. A Tolkien adaptation could follow a similar arc: an ordinary person caught up in the War of the Ring, making morally grey decisions that impact the larger conflict. The studio might even set the game in an unexplored corner of Middle-earth, avoiding direct overlap with the films or books.
The Future of Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Before any Lord of the Rings dream becomes reality, Warhorse is still working on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which was officially announced a few months ago. The sequel is expected to continue Henry's story, expanding the world and refining the mechanics. The studio's silence on a LOTR project could simply mean that their full attention is on delivering KCD2 first. However, given that game development often runs in parallel, it's entirely possible that Warhorse has multiple teams: one finishing KCD2 and one prototyping a new IP.
If the Lord of the Rings rumor is true, it would represent a major shift for a studio that has traded exclusively in historical fiction. But it also aligns with a growing trend: respected developers applying their unique design philosophies to beloved fantasy licenses (e.g., Elden Ring, The Witcher). Warhorse's next project may be the most anticipated unrevealed game in years.
Conclusion: Patience and Promise
For now, all we have are rumors and a cryptic but inspiring statement. Warhorse Studios will not be drawn out on the Lord of the Rings rumors, but their promise to stay “true to our colours” is reassuring to fans who fear a loss of identity. Whether the next project is a trip to Middle-earth or a completely original fantasy world, one thing is clear: Warhorse is committed to making deep, authentic, and uncompromising RPGs.
As more information emerges – likely after Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 ships – we will finally learn if the rumors were true. Until then, the speculation continues, and the hope for a realistic, gritty Lord of the Rings RPG made by Warhorse remains a tantalizing possibility.
Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates on Warhorse's upcoming projects. You can also read our in-depth analysis of the rumors and their official statement above.