Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced a partnership with social game studio Kabam and two new multiplayer strategy games based on Peter Jackson's upcoming film adaptations of "The Hobbit."
"The Hobbit films are among the most anticipated entertainment launches of all time," said Kevin Chou, CEO, Kabam. "Kabam's unique ability to blend the art of game design and the science of free-to-play distribution makes us a natural fit to partner with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to deliver thrilling games via the Web and mobile devices for The Hobbit film fans around the world."
Kabam will develop two multiplayer strategy games, The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth for mobile devices and The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age for web browsers, both titles will be available in fall. Gamers who can't wait to play the game can sign up on Sept. 25 to take part in a beta for The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age here.
Both games are free-to-play and will feature iconic locations and familiar characters from "The Hobbit Trilogy." The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth will be a mobile game that challenges players to build and manage their own kingdom in Middle-earth.
The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age is a browser-based game that puts gamers at the helm of an army of Elves, Dwarves or Orcs. Players can control heroes from the film including Bilbo Baggins, Legolas, Thorin Oakenshield and Gandalf the Grey. The game will allow players to alley with thousands of players online to wage "an epic war."
"We are very pleased to work with Kabam in creating immersive free-to-play online games on massive scales across multiple platforms," said Greg Ballard, Senior Vice President, Digital Games, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "Kabam's Armies of the Third Age and Kingdoms of Middle-earth will be an excellent way for The Hobbit film fans around the world to delve more into the iconic story and interact with the characters in the universe."
Watch the trailer for the new movie below...