The recent announcement of a The Wheel of Time video game in development has taken fans by surprise, stirring a mix of excitement and skepticism across the internet. According to a report from Variety, a Hollywood trade publication, this "AAA open-world role-playing game" for PC and consoles is based on Robert Jordan's cherished 14-book series. The project, which has a projected three-year development timeline, is being crafted by iwot Studios' newly established Montreal-based game developer. This studio is headed by Craig Alexander, a former Warner Bros. Games executive with a notable track record, having overseen the development of major titles like The Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online, and Asheron's Call.
Despite Alexander's impressive credentials, the announcement has been met with cautious reception. The skepticism largely stems from iwot Studios itself, which acquired the rights to The Wheel of Time (originally as Red Eagle Entertainment) back in 2004. Fans have voiced concerns over iwot's history with the IP, with some labeling the company an "IP camper" and accusing it of mismanaging the franchise. The online community has pointed to past projects that never came to fruition, with a particularly vocal 10-year-old Reddit post amplifying these grievances.
Moreover, the ambitious claim of developing a top-tier RPG within three years by a relatively new studio has led to widespread doubt among fans. The prevailing sentiment online is one of cautious optimism, encapsulated by the phrase "we'll believe it when we see it."
On a more positive note, The Wheel of Time has enjoyed recent success with its Amazon Prime Video series, which concluded its third season to critical acclaim. After initial fan discontent over significant deviations from the source material in the first two seasons, the third season managed to realign with the expectations of the book's loyal followers. This success has brought a new wave of fans to the franchise, further fueling interest in the upcoming game.
To delve deeper into the project, I had the opportunity to speak with Rick Selvage, the head of iwot Studios, and Craig Alexander, the studio head for the video game division, via a video call. Our discussion aimed to clarify the project's current status, its scope, what fans can anticipate, and to address the online criticism head-on.
