The beloved fantasy universe of The Wheel of Time is set to make its grand entrance into the gaming world as an expansive open-world RPG. This ambitious project is being developed by iwot Studios under the leadership of Craig Alexander, the visionary behind The Lord of the Rings Online. With an estimated development period of three years, this adaptation promises to faithfully recreate Robert Jordan's intricate world for both PC and console platforms.

The Wheel of Time stands as one of the most celebrated high fantasy series in literary history. Originally penned by Robert Jordan and completed by Brandon Sanderson, this 14-novel epic (plus one prequel) has captivated millions with its unique concept of cyclical time and richly developed universe. Having sold over 90 million copies worldwide, the series' success led to its recent television adaptation on Amazon Prime in 2021. Now, fans can anticipate experiencing this vast world through an interactive medium.

In their official announcement, iwot Studios revealed exciting details about their approach to this monumental project. CEO Rick Selvage acknowledged the challenges of adapting such a complex work but expressed confidence in Alexander's leadership. "Craig brings exactly the expertise and creative vision we need to do justice to Jordan's masterpiece," Selvage stated. The game aims to incorporate all elements from the books, including their extensive backstory and world-building details.

Why The Wheel of Time Perfectly Suits an RPG Format

Several factors make The Wheel of Time particularly suitable for an open-world RPG adaptation:

• Expansive Lore: The series features thousands of years of detailed history and mythology
• Complex Magic System: The One Power offers diverse gameplay possibilities
• Political Intrigue: Numerous factions and nations provide rich narrative potential
• Varied Landscapes: From the Two Rivers to the Aiel Waste, diverse environments await exploration

Alexander described the project as "a dream opportunity" that will require careful attention to maintain the spirit of Jordan's creation while translating it effectively into game mechanics.

What to Expect from the Game

While specific gameplay details remain under wraps, the developers have confirmed:

• True open-world design allowing free exploration of the Westlands and beyond
• Faithful adaptation of book events and characters
• Potential for multiple playable characters representing different factions
• Deep character progression systems reflecting the series' magic and combat styles

With the project still in its early stages, fans can look forward to regular updates as development progresses over the coming years. This adaptation represents a significant moment for both gaming and fantasy literature, potentially setting a new standard for book-to-game translations.