Every unit inLord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earthis a unique, named character, adhering to conventions established by Tolkien. The game features severalbeloved characters from the IP like Aragorn and Frodo, but of course, various factions and whatnot need to be fleshed out more. Rather than just have a generic orc or elf, developer Capital Games worked with Middle-earth Enterprises to ensure every unit had a lore-appropriate name.
Game Rant recently spoke withLord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earthdirector Nicolas Reinhart about this approach, and more specifically, how Capital Games approached ensuring their names adhered to Tolkien’s naming conventions.
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When asked if every unit was truly unique, Reinhart explained that there are no two characters who are just re-flavored, like there’s no Orc character who is just an ability-adjusted Elf. “No, all the characters are unique,” he added. In fact, he added that he worked onStar Wars: Galaxy of Heroestoo, and there a nameless, faceless Stormtrooper makes perfect sense. It is lore-appropriate totheStar Warsfranchise, but that wasn’t really possible with this title. As he said,
“In The Lord of the Rings, everyone is named, everyone has a history, and everyone has a family tree.”
Because of this, Capital Games worked tirelessly with Middle-earth enterprises to name all of its characters withTolkien’s languages and conventionsin mind, even if they don’t necessarily show up in the literature. While Reinhart took part in making this decision, he made it clear that he was not personally involved with the research and approach to naming these characters, but he did explain that it was an intensive process. Some of Capital Games' staff are deeply involved with the lore as part of the game’s narrative design, working through these naming conventions with notes taken from various official sources and other guiding documents. What he could say, however, is the dedication this team of Capital Games, as well as everyone at the studio, approaches the game’s authenticity.
“[W]hat I can say is that we are deeply affected by looking at what he’s written, looking at his notes about how he was able to derive some of these names and what his inspiration was. Not only did we pick those names, but we’ve gone back and forth with Middle-earth to make sure that they also believe that they are appropriate as well.”
Between Capital Games and Middle-earth Enterprises, it’s clear just how involved every little detail of the game is. Whether it’s how theLord of the Ringscharactersinteract, how they get their name, or how they operate within the game’s tactics, there’s really no questioning its detailed approach to making sure everything is lore appropriate and authentic to the beloved franchise.
Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earthis available now on mobile devices.
