"Wheel of Time RPG Confirmed as Open-World, No Release Date Yet"

The recent announcement of a The Wheel of Time video game being in development has taken fans by surprise, stirring a mix of excitement and skepticism across online communities. The news, first reported by Variety, detailed an upcoming "AAA open-world role-playing game" for PC and consoles, inspired by Robert Jordan's beloved 14-book series. The project is said to be in the works for three years at iwot Studios' new game development studio in Montreal, headed by Craig Alexander, a former Warner Bros. Games executive with a rich portfolio including The Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online, and Asheron's Call.

Despite Alexander's impressive credentials, the involvement of iwot Studios, formerly known as Red Eagle Entertainment, has raised concerns among fans. Since acquiring the rights to The Wheel of Time in 2004, iwot Studios has faced criticism and accusations of being an "IP camper" and mismanaging the franchise. A quick online search reveals a history of failed projects and a strained relationship with the dedicated fanbase, further fueled by a decade-old Reddit post criticizing the studio's handling of the IP. The ambitious three-year timeline for a new studio to deliver a high-caliber RPG has only added to the skepticism, with many fans adopting a "we'll believe it when we see it" stance.

However, the landscape for The Wheel of Time has shifted positively with the success of the Amazon Prime Video series, which concluded its third season to much acclaim. After facing backlash for significant deviations from the source material in its first two seasons, the show managed to win back fans with a well-received third season. This renewed interest in the franchise could potentially bolster the upcoming video game's reception.

In an effort to address the swirling concerns and provide clarity on the project, I conducted a video call with Rick Selvage, the head of iwot Studios, and Craig Alexander, who leads the studio's gaming efforts. The discussion aimed to shed light on the game's development status, its scope, what fans can anticipate, and to directly address the criticisms circulating online.