The recent revelation about a Wheel of Time video game in development undoubtedly surprised fans - and generated considerable online skepticism.
First reported by industry outlet Variety, the announcement described an upcoming "AAA open-world RPG" for PC and consoles based on Robert Jordan's beloved 14-book fantasy series. The report also mentioned an ambitious three-year development timeline.
The project is being developed by newly-formed iwot Studios in Montreal, led by former Warner Bros. Games executive Craig Alexander. With experience overseeing Turbine franchises like Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online, Alexander's involvement would typically excite fans. However, two factors have raised concerns: iwot Studios' ownership history (as Red Eagle Entertainment acquiring the rights in 2004) and skepticism about delivering a AAA game within just three years.
A quick online search reveals iwot Studios' complicated history with the Wheel of Time fandom. Fan communities express skepticism, with some labeling the company an "IP camper" and criticizing past mismanagement of the franchise. Many reference decade-old complaints about unmet promises regarding previous Wheel of Time projects.
Compounding this skepticism is widespread doubt that a newly-formed studio could suddenly deliver a high-quality AAA RPG worthy of the beloved franchise. The prevailing sentiment among fans is a cautious "we'll believe it when we see it" attitude.
The franchise has recently gained momentum through Amazon Prime's TV adaptation, which just completed its third season (with Season 4 still unconfirmed). While early seasons faced criticism from book fans for significant story changes, Season 3 reportedly improved significantly, introducing the series to new audiences.
Given this context, we sought direct clarification from iwot Studios leadership. During a video interview, we spoke with CEO Rick Selvage and studio head Craig Alexander about the project's status, scope, fan expectations, and their response to the online criticism.
