In March 2026, Restoration Games announced The Lord of the Rings: The King's Gambit, with this being an updated — ahem, "restored" — version of Star Wars: The Queen's Gambit. To make this happen, Restoration is partnering with the asmodee studio Space Cowboys.
Now asmodee has apparently cut out the middle man to make deals like this more directly. On May 12, 2026, asmodee announced the first slate of partner publishers in its new role as "exclusive provider of category management services to Middle-earth", with those partners being Sirius Dice, Stone Blade Entertainment, Game Toppers, Grand Gamers Guild, and Play To Z.
Stone Blade Entertainment has already announced The Lord of the Rings: Ascension in late April 2026, but as far as I know the other companies have not yet announced Middle-earth-related products. For more about what's coming, here's much of the press release:
Each of these partners will use their special skills to create memorable Middle-earth gaming experiences over the coming years.
"The Lord of the Rings is truly a special property, one that has defined the very word 'fantasy' for generations. Making products for these fans is not just an opportunity, but it is also an honor and a great responsibility," said Luke Peterschmidt, Head of Active Category Management. "That is why today I'm very excited to announce our first slate of partner companies. There may be The One Ring to rule them all, but it takes many publishers to satisfy the gaming needs of The Lord of the Rings fans and I'm sure each of our partners are going to do their part in that quest."
"We're thrilled to see the care and stewardship that asmodee is bringing to a multi-year strategy for Middle-earth games, a future that includes not only games and accessories by asmodee, but also by other publishers," said Jay Komas, GM of Middle-earth Enterprises. "We hope the fans share our anticipation for the journey ahead."
In time, each of these companies will be making their own announcement about their future plans for Middle-earth products and give ad-hoc details on their distribution partners locally or globally.
As the exclusive provider of category management services to Middle-earth, asmodee oversees the strategy in close collaboration with Middle-earth Enterprises and leads the development of the tabletop range. The aim is to provide Middle-earth fans with the best tabletop gaming experience possible through a coherent portfolio across all genres and audiences while growing Middle-earth Enterprises' footprint in the industry.
Publishers of tabletop games and gaming accessories who wish to create products inspired by the legendary world of Middle-earth are invited by asmodee to reach out to them at METTGlicensing@asmodee.com.
