"Wheel of Time RPG Confirmed, No Release Date Yet -，可能 for PS6 and Next Xbox"

The recent announcement of a The Wheel of Time video game has certainly stirred the pot among fans, blending excitement with a hefty dose of skepticism. According to Hollywood trade publication Variety, a "AAA open-world role-playing game" for PC and consoles is in the works, inspired by Robert Jordan's beloved 14-book series. The game, expected to take three years to develop, is being crafted by iwot Studios' new Montreal-based game developer, headed by former Warner Bros. Games executive, Craig Alexander. Alexander's impressive resume includes overseeing development for Turbine's (now WB Games Boston) franchises like The Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online, and Asheron's Call.

However, the enthusiasm is tempered by the studio's history. iwot Studios, formerly known as Red Eagle Entertainment, acquired the rights to The Wheel of Time back in 2004. The studio's track record, coupled with the ambitious timeline for a new studio to produce a triple-A RPG, has raised eyebrows. A quick online search uncovers a fractured relationship with the dedicated fanbase, with many labeling iwot as an "IP camper" and accusing them of mishandling the The Wheel of Time IP over the years. A decade-old Reddit post further amplifies these grievances.

The skepticism is palpable online, with fans adopting a "we'll believe it when we see it" stance. They find it hard to believe that a brand-new studio can deliver a game that meets the high expectations set by the series.

Despite these concerns, The Wheel of Time has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to the Amazon Prime Video series, which just concluded its third season. While Seasons 1 and 2 faced backlash for deviating from the books, Season 3 managed to win back much of the fanbase. This renewed interest could be a significant boost for the upcoming game.

To delve deeper into the project, I had the opportunity to speak with Rick Selvage, the head of iwot Studios, and Craig Alexander, who leads the video game development efforts, over a video call. Our conversation aimed to shed light on the project's current status, its scope, what fans can expect, and how they plan to address the online criticism surrounding their efforts.