Wētā Workshop takes a little more time to perfect The Shire, inviting aspiring hobbits to embark on a journey to Bywater in Tales of the Shire this summer, with a new release date Set for July on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
In recent days, an unusual feeling had begun to take shape—one of those quiet suspicions that defy logic yet seem impossible to ignore. Whether it was Wētā Workshop’s prolonged silence or the fact that the originally scheduled March 25, 2025, release date was fast approaching, something suggested a delay was imminent. And now, with the latest update published on the game’s Steam page and official social media accounts, that intuition has been confirmed: Tales of the Shire, the highly anticipated cozy life simulation game from Wētā Workshop and Private Division, has been postponed once again.
While undoubtedly a difficult decision—one that was likely the result of extensive internal discussions—the New Zealand-based studio has chosen to push back the launch. Yet, despite the understandable disappointment among fans, this delay may ultimately prove beneficial. It grants developers additional time to refine Bywater, ensuring that the village is brought to life with the richness and authenticity befitting The Lord of the Rings universe. More significantly, it provides an opportunity to address the concerns voiced by the LOTR community, many of whom remain wary after recent, underwhelming adaptations of the beloved franchise. With Tales of the Shire carrying high expectations, this extra development time could mean the difference between a charming, immersive experience and a missed opportunity.
The revised release date could ultimately work to the game’s advantage. After all, what better time to embrace the Hobbit lifestyle than in the height of summer? The golden sunlight, the rolling green hills of the Shire—the season seems tailor-made for an idyllic adventure. These considerations likely influenced the decision to reschedule the launch for July 29, 2025, when the game will debut on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
The Official Statement
Let’s take a closer look at the official statement shared by the Tales of the Shire development team on the game’s official social media channels:
Dear Fellow Hobbits,
A good Hobbit feast takes time, and so does Tales of the Shire! We’re taking a little longer to ensure that every Hobbit, on every platform, can enjoy the same cozy experience. The game will now launch on July 29, 2025.
We want this game to feel like a warm hug from Middle-earth, and we are making sure that no matter what you play on, you’ll feel right at home in the Shire. From foot-hair styles to the fluffiest cakes, every detail will be just right.
We appreciate your patience and cannot wait for you to experience life in the Shire this summer. In the meantime, set the table, polish your silver, and get ready for a feast fit for a Hobbit!
Looking forward to welcoming you to Bywater.
From the folks at Wētā Workshop Game Studio
With this delay, Wētā Workshop is clearly prioritizing both quality and immersion, ensuring that Tales of the Shire fully captures the charm and spirit of Hobbit life. While waiting is never easy—especially when it comes to returning to Middle-earth—this extra time could be just what the game needs to deliver an experience truly worthy of Tolkien’s legacy.
In the Footsteps of the Baggins
While you await the chance to fully embrace your inner Hobbit—whipping up delicious, farm-fresh meals, tending to your garden, fishing, cultivating your own little vegetable patch, maintaining your home, and enjoying all the simple pleasures that make Hobbit life so special—there are two things you can do to pass the time: first, add the game to your wishlist (as it’s not yet available for pre-order on console or PC), and second, follow the official accounts of the game, publisher, and developers to stay updated on the latest news and announcements. And, of course, be sure to stay tuned with us for more updates on Tales of the Shire.
That’s all for today. Until next time!
