Looks like the adventure is going to have to wait. The release of Tales of the Shire has been delayed to Tuesday, July 29, 2025. This comes after it was originally slated to debut in 2024, then was pushed to March 25, 2025 (just four days before my birthday).
Developers released the following statement announcing the delay:
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 cosy experience. The game will now launch on 29th July 2024.
We want this game to feel like a warm hug from Middle-earth, and we are making sure that no matter where you play, 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, arrange 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 Weta Workshop Game Studio
While no specific reasons were given for the delay, aside from needing more time, some reviewers of the demo complained that, in an effort to be cozy, the game was too simplistic, too boring. And fans are upset that there is no planned co-op feature.
(I wonder if they're still working on finding that balance between cozy and challenging that makes a game wonderful. If they are, they should really study Infinity Nikki. The game hits the nail on the head.)
The Instagram community's feedback on the delay was mixed. Some welcomed it, praising the teams dedication...
"This is the most hobbity announcement ever. I’d rather you guys slow roast this game than rush it and serve it half cooked. Take your time, enjoy the process, and know we appreciate the dedication. ♥️" – @thatmugglemomma
"Just release before it’s finished, and slowly drip content. Then add a premium store and allocate a lot of resources to it, releasing premium cosmetics faster than content. Then the game will get bought out by a questionable publisher who changes nothing. Scratch that. Please delay the game until it’s ready." –@kyleblaneplays
...others were annoyed that game has now been delayed twice, calling for better planning and resource management.
"I really wish the studios would stop giving us busted release dates just to build hype then sweep the rugs out from under us and push the release back time after time after time after time... You know why it’s ridiculous? Because I would’ve just waited for a later release date from the beginning if you just budgeted your time better guys… " – @autobot15
"Giving up" – @thrillissues
