Sure, the Wheel of Time Recreation Is Actual and (Hopefully) Occurring

A couple of weeks in the past, information broke the Wheel of Time franchise was being tailored into an open-world role-playing game from Iwot Studios, a subsidiary of the manufacturing firm behind the present. If that sounds too good to be true, Iwot’s reaffirmed that that is no joke, and the studio hopes to convey the fantasy sequence again to the medium.

Earlier than this information, Iwot acquired the Wheel rights again in 2004 when it was Red Eagle Entertainment, however hadn’t carried out something to this point. As such, there’s been lots of skepticism on-line amongst Wheel followers, however Iwot co-founder Rick Selvage and recreation studio head Craig Alexander informed IGN they’re seeing this venture by.

With the Prime Video present based mostly on the Robert Jordan novels having simply wrapped up its third season, Selvage mentioned it felt just like the “proper time” to get a recreation off the bottom. Alexander revealed they’re presently within the pre-production section: they’re on the hunt for management, adopted by a staff to construct out the prototype, then hope to rent a employees of “upwards of 200-300” to develop the total venture.

“It’s going to take time,” continued Alexander of the entire course of. The pair are very ahead pondering—sequels, DLC, and enlargement paths are all a part of the plan to “construct out as a lot of the world we are able to.”

He considers making the primary recreation the “most tough” to develop due to correct scope and making certain “we now have a compelling, high-quality launch…however then arrange for a hit sooner or later.” Alexander likened the technique to a live-service recreation when it comes to deliberate operations and supporting Wheel of Time “for the long run. We have now a giant story to inform, and I don’t underestimate the quantity of labor to construct out the entire world, however our intent is to do this.”

Additional particulars on this recreation, akin to its particular setting and consoles, are being thought of. What Selvage and Alexander do know is it received’t be an MMO—the franchise is “so character-centric,” mentioned Alexander, who’s beforehand labored on Lord of the Rings On-line—however could also be a single-player recreation with a touch of multiplayer, much like Baldur’s Gate 3.

The 2 finally burdened their intent to deal with the sport as they do the Wheel of Time present and upcoming prequel film and “ship on our commitments on these initiatives in a manner followers are thrilled about.”

You possibly can learn Selvage and Alexander’s full dialogue here.

Need extra io9 information? Try when to count on the most recent Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s subsequent for the DC Universe on film and TV, and the whole lot it’s good to learn about the way forward for Doctor Who.