New adventure in Kingdom Come and open-world RPG in Middle-earth in development

Warhorse Studios recently announced that it is working on two new projects: a new entry in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance franchise and an open-world RPG based on the world of Lord of the Rings. The reveal took place on May 20, 2026, and follows earlier rumors about the studio’s involvement in developing a game set in Middle-earth.

About Warhorse Studios and Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Warhorse Studios, founded in 2011 by Daniel Vávra and Martin Klíma, rose to prominence with the release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance in 2018. The game was praised for its realistic approach to the role-playing genre in a historical setting, despite criticism over technical issues. Its sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, launched in 2025 and was received even more positively by both critics and players.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 built on the strengths of its predecessor, with improved gameplay and narrative expansions that further enriched the experience. The games are known for their attention to detail and historical accuracy.

The new projects

On May 20, 2026, Warhorse Studios announced via social media that it is working on an open-world RPG set in Middle-earth, as well as a new Kingdom Come: Deliverance game, described as a "Kingdom Come adventure." The announcement is intriguing, especially because it appears to suggest that the newly announced RPG will not strictly follow the story of the best-known books or films, but instead focus on an original story within the beloved universe.

The studio has not shared many details about the gameplay or story structure of the new titles, but the experience it has gained with Kingdom Come: Deliverance will undoubtedly provide a strong foundation for its upcoming projects.

Embracer Group and the future of the franchise

Warhorse Studios is now a subsidiary of Embracer Group, which in 2022 acquired the rights to make new games, films, and other media based on the worlds of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit through its purchase of Middle-earth Enterprises. Embracer has also created a new unit, Fellowship Entertainment, to explore external partnerships around its biggest IPs, including the Lord of the Rings franchise.

With these moves, Embracer appears determined to create a new era of relevant, high-quality games in Middle-earth, while Warhorse Studios brings its unique style and legacy to this new setting.

Opportunities and challenges

It remains unclear how the realistic gameplay systems of Kingdom Come: Deliverance will translate to a fantasy world like Middle-earth, which is rich in magic and mythological elements. While many fans are excited about the possibility of exploring a deeper story in Middle-earth, the complexity Warhorse is known for could pose a challenge for casual players.

Even so, Warhorse Studios’ past successes suggest it is well prepared for the challenges of developing such an ambitious open-world RPG.

Expectations are high, not only for the next Kingdom Come game, but also for the creation of a unique and immersive experience in Tolkien’s world. When more details about these projects emerge, they are sure to draw the gaming community’s attention.