WhileTales of the Shire’s release date slipped further into the year, the simulation game is quickly approaching. Now set to release this July,Tales of the Shireinitially excited Tolkienverse fans and fans of the life sim genre alike. While its early previews came with their share of criticism, hopefully the delays will result in a stronger game at launch. One area that developer Weta Workshop will have had time to expand upon is the game’s interior decoration, and hopefully, it has considered adding items that go against the grain of the title’s cozy vibes.
Tales of the Shire Needs to Explore Outside its Setting for Decor
Tales of the Shireisn’t just based on the Tolkienverse, as it is set entirely within the Shire. Players can create their own Hobbit avatarand decorate their own Hobbit holewhile raising crops, catching fish, cooking, and participating in other staples of simulation gameplay. It would make sense forTales of the Shireto theme all its decor around this one setting and the cozier aspects of the Hobbit lifestyle, but while this is all well and good, only having Hobbit-themed items could quickly feel mundane to players. Therefore,Tales of the Shireshould implement decor inspired by other regions of Middle-earth and non-Hobbit characters.
However, there are some caveats to how Weta Workshop bringing this new style of decor toTales of the Shire. Though the simulation game’s setting is exactly the reason why it should diversify its decor style, it could also hinder this change due to its chosen time period.Tales of the Shireis set in betweenThe HobbitandThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy. Characters like Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey could easily be referenced in the game, but Frodo and crew are unlikely to receive the same treatment. Depending onhow dedicated Weta Workshop is toTales of the Shire’s time period, the game’s decor may only refer to events that happened prior toThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy.
How Weta Workshop Could Add Non-Shire-Related Decor
Other areas of Middle Earth are showcased inThe Hobbit, leaving space for decorfound in Rivendell and from Erebor, better known as the Lonely Mountain.Tales of the Shirecould include these items in the in-game shop, perhaps at a marked-up price which could be justified as “trading costs”. After all, traveling across Middle Earth is dangerous and expensive.
Hordes of treasure inspired by Smaug, statues based on various Tolkienversecharacters like Gandalf the Grey, and props based on weapons and gear that various characters have used are also options forTales of the Shire. Weapons and gear like armor should specifically be props or wall decorations, considering that combat is not part ofTales of the Shire’s gameplay, but also due to the nature of most Hobbits. An in-game justification for players owning these items is unlikely and would probably break Tolkienverse lore, but it would still be cool to see item descriptions for weapons and gear like Durin’s axe, Glamdring, and others. Amazon’sRings of Powerwould also be an excellent source of non-Hobbit items, though collectibles based on their Harfoot ancestors should be a no-brainer.
If Weta Workshop wanted to add canon-breaking items from theLord of the Rings, perhaps it could tag them with a special marker so that players seeking the most immersive experience possible can easily avoid them.
Ultimately, it will be up to Weta Workshop to determine what getsincluded inTales of the Shire. The developer currently has its hands full as it prepares the new simulation game for its official debut. Nevertheless, including decor and other items inspired by the architecture and characters found outside the Shire would be toTales of the Shire’s benefit and certainly please Tolkienverse fans who flock to the upcoming simulation game.
