Tales of the Shire, a cozy life sim set in the world of Lord of the Rings, has been delayed until 2025, previously scheduled for release this year. Developer Weta Workshop, known for their work on Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth films, cites the need for additional time to fully realize their original vision. This simulation game is inspired by Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, offering players a chance to experience daily life in Tolkien’s Middle-earth between the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The game will focus on meal prep, fishing, farming, and character interaction, allowing players to design their own personal Hobbit hole. A live showcase event on September 22 will reveal new aspects of the game and announce the official release date in 2025. As fans speculate on potential future expansions into other IPs, the idea of a cozy life sim set in the Star Wars universe or MCU films is intriguing, despite the challenges of incorporating zombies or other threats.