"Wheel of Time RPG Confirmed, But Release Might Be for PS6 and Next Xbox"

The recent announcement of a video game adaptation of Robert Jordan’s iconic series, The Wheel of Time, has stirred a mix of excitement and skepticism among fans. According to a report by Variety, this ambitious project is being developed as a "AAA open-world role-playing game" for PC and consoles, with a projected development timeline of three years. The game is being crafted at iwot Studios' new Montreal-based studio, headed by Craig Alexander, a former executive at Warner Bros. Games known for his work on successful titles such as The Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online.

Despite the promising credentials of the team, the involvement of iwot Studios has raised eyebrows. Originally known as Red Eagle Entertainment, iwot Studios acquired the rights to The Wheel of Time in 2004. Since then, the company has faced criticism from the fanbase, with many labeling it an "IP camper" and accusing it of mismanaging the franchise. A notable point of contention is a decade-old Reddit post that sharply criticizes the studio's handling of the IP. Furthermore, the notion of a brand-new studio quickly delivering a triple-A RPG that meets fans' lofty expectations has fueled a general sentiment of "we'll believe it when we see it."

Adding to the complexity of this announcement, The Wheel of Time has recently gained a new wave of fans through its Amazon Prime Video series. After a rocky start with significant deviations from the books in Seasons 1 and 2, the show managed to win back much of its audience with a well-received Season 3. The success of the series has undoubtedly heightened interest in any new projects related to the franchise.

In light of the online skepticism, I sought to gain more insight directly from iwot Studios. During a video call, I discussed the project's current status, its scope, and what fans can expect with Rick Selvage, the head of iwot Studios, and Craig Alexander, the studio head overseeing the game's development. This conversation aimed to address the criticisms and provide clarity on the future of The Wheel of Time in the gaming world.