'The Lord of the Rings: Gollum,' is an upcoming action-adventure game from Daedalic Entertainment, which will launch exclusively on next-gen consoles and PC.
Taking a different approach to the franchise, the story-driven video game allows players to act as the antagonist, who's been corrupted by the One Ring and carries an obsession with obtaining it. In true Gollum fashion, players will use their stealth skills and cunning wit as their primary powers throughout the game.
Taking cues from the original books, the game tells the story of Gollum before he ever encounters Bilbo or Frodo Baggins. The game will begin in a Mordor fortress called Barad-dur, however players will also have the chance to explore an expansive persistent world outside of the starting location.
Image Credit: IGN / Daedalic Entertainment
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Antihero Gameplay
- Video game developers can explore the trend of antihero gameplay, giving players the chance to play as the antagonist and explore a different perspective of the story.
- Story-driven Games
- Developers can explore the trend of story-driven games, where players are immersed in a narrative with a well-developed protagonist or antagonist, creating an emotional investment in the story.
- Persistent Open World
- Developers can explore the trend of persistent open world games, where players have the freedom to explore a vast world, engage in activities and interact with non-playable characters, offering a more immersive experience.
Where This Applies
- Video Game Development
- Video game developers can explore the trend of antihero gameplay, story-driven games and persistent open world games, giving players an immersive and emotional investment in their games.
- Entertainment
- Entertainment companies can capitalize on the popularity of the Lord of the Rings franchise, creating adaptations in different mediums, such as television or film.
- Psychological Studies
- Psychological studies can explore the impact of playing as an antagonist in video games, potentially leading to a better understanding of moral decision-making and the effects of perspective-taking on empathy.
