First Look: Eidos-Montréal’s Cancelled Lord of the Rings Game Revealed

Taylor Keatsman

Published: February 9, 2026 2:52 PM ET

Eidos-Montréal, known for its significant role in developing major game franchises such as Tomb Raider, has faced challenges in recent years. Following its acquisition by Embracer, the studio has shifted its focus, transitioning to a support role for other projects. This change has led to layoffs and the cancellation of several games, including a highly anticipated Lord of the Rings title.

First Look: Eidos-Montréal’s Cancelled Lord of the Rings Game

Insider Gaming recently reported on the details surrounding the cancelled Lord of the Rings game. The project was expected to incorporate card-based mechanics and offer a narrative style reminiscent of the Telltale series. However, development did not progress significantly before it was ultimately scrapped.

Concept Art and Locations

Despite the project’s cancellation, some concept art has surfaced. This artwork, from a former Eidos-Montréal artist’s portfolio, provides insight into the envisioned gameplay. The images depict various locations within Middle-earth from a top-down perspective, hinting at the gameplay style.

Key Locations:
- Umbar: A major coastal city in Gondor, known for its pirate inhabitants.
- The Prancing Pony: A recognizable inn from the series where Frodo first meets Aragorn.

Gameplay and Mechanics

One particularly intriguing aspect of the concept art is a rotating view of the Bay of Umbar. This visual showcases two stages: prior to and following the city’s fall. The artwork suggests that players would encounter the aftermath of battles that left Umbar in ruins.

Early gameplay tests featured in the images highlight the transition from concept art to 3D models. Although largely untextured, the environment depicted fundamental mechanics such as ladder climbing. The images also include red silhouettes resembling Orcs, with indications that the game would feature the Corsairs of Umbar.

While the concept of integrating card-based mechanics remains unclear, the top-down perspective might have facilitated real-time melee combat, similar to the style seen in other titles like No Rest for the Wicked. It remains uncertain how these diverse gameplay elements would have coalesced into a unified experience.

Future Projects at Eidos-Montréal

Currently, Eidos-Montréal is reportedly focused on a new project known internally as P11. This title is said to be an open-world action-adventure game developed using Unreal Engine 5, with anticipated release plans set for this year. As fans await further news, there is excitement over what the studio might produce next.