Wheel of Time RPG in the Works: Iwot Studios Aims for Long-Term Vision
The world of Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy series, "The Wheel of Time," is poised to expand into the realm of open-world role-playing games. Iwot Studios, a subsidiary of the production company behind the Prime Video adaptation, has officially announced its plans to develop a massive RPG set within the rich and complex world of Randland.
While initial reports were met with a degree of skepticism from the dedicated fanbase, Iwot Studios is adamant that this is not just wishful thinking. The studio is determined to bring the beloved series to a new interactive medium.
The announcement follows a period of dormancy regarding Iwot’s ownership of the “Wheel of Time” rights. The company, formerly known as Red Eagle Entertainment, acquired the rights back in 2004 but remained silent on its plans for the property until now. This prolonged silence understandably fueled apprehension among fans eager to see their favorite characters and storylines realized in a gaming format.
However, Iwot co-founder Rick Selvage and game studio head Craig Alexander have addressed these concerns head-on in an interview with IGN, assuring fans of their commitment to the project. They emphasized that they are serious about creating a high-quality gaming experience that honors the spirit of Jordan’s novels.
The timing of the announcement coincides with the recent conclusion of the third season of the Prime Video adaptation. According to Selvage, this felt like the "right time" to embark on the game development journey. The existing visual language and narrative foundation laid by the television series can provide a solid starting point for Iwot Studios’ creative team.
Alexander shed light on the current status of the project, revealing that they are in the early stages of pre-production. The studio is actively seeking leadership personnel to guide the development process, followed by the assembly of a core team to build a playable prototype. Their ambitions are significant, with plans to eventually hire a staff of "upwards of 200-300" to fully develop the expansive RPG.
Alexander acknowledged the scale and complexity of the undertaking, emphasizing that the entire process will "take time." The studio is taking a long-term perspective, envisioning not only the initial game release but also potential sequels, downloadable content (DLC), and expansions to further enrich the gaming experience. Their goal is to "build out as much of the world as we can," creating a truly immersive and enduring virtual representation of "The Wheel of Time."
He described the first game as the "most difficult" to develop due to the challenges of establishing the appropriate scope and ensuring a "compelling, high-quality release" that will resonate with fans. The studio’s strategy is to create a strong foundation that allows for future success and expansion.
Alexander drew a parallel to live-service games in terms of their planned operations and ongoing support for "The Wheel of Time." This indicates that Iwot Studios is committed to providing a continuously evolving and engaging gaming experience for players in the long term. "We have a big story to tell, and I don’t underestimate the amount of work to build out the whole world, but our intent is to do that," Alexander stated, emphasizing their dedication to realizing the full potential of the franchise in the gaming world.
While specific details about the game’s setting, plot, and target platforms remain under consideration, Selvage and Alexander have offered some insights into their design philosophy. One crucial decision is that the game will not be a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Alexander explained that the "Wheel of Time" franchise is "so character-centric" that an MMO format would not be the most suitable approach.
Instead, the game may lean towards a single-player experience with the possibility of incorporating some multiplayer elements, similar to the structure of critically acclaimed games like "Baldur’s Gate 3." This suggests that the focus will be on developing compelling individual character arcs and allowing players to make meaningful choices that impact the narrative.
Ultimately, Selvage and Alexander emphasized their commitment to treating the game with the same care and dedication as they do the "Wheel of Time" television series and the upcoming prequel movie. Their goal is to "deliver on our commitments on those projects in a way fans are thrilled about." This statement reflects a genuine desire to create a faithful and engaging adaptation that will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to the world of "The Wheel of Time."
The development of a “Wheel of Time” open-world RPG represents an exciting opportunity to immerse players in a complex and beloved fantasy universe. While the project is still in its early stages, Iwot Studios’ commitment to a long-term vision, combined with their understanding of the source material, offers a glimmer of hope for a truly memorable and expansive gaming experience. Fans will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting further details as the development process progresses.
