"Wheel of Time RPG Legit, No Release Date Yet - Possible PS6, Next Xbox Title"

The recent announcement of a video game based on The Wheel of Time has taken fans by surprise and ignited a wave of skepticism across the internet. According to Variety, a Hollywood trade publication, a "AAA open-world role-playing game" is in the works for PC and consoles, drawing from Robert Jordan's beloved 14-book epic. The game is slated for a three-year development cycle.

This ambitious project is being spearheaded by iwot Studios' newly established Montreal-based game development team, under the leadership of former Warner Bros. Games executive, Craig Alexander. Alexander brings a wealth of experience, having previously overseen the development of successful franchises such as The Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online, and Asheron's Call. Despite Alexander's impressive track record, the involvement of iwot Studios, which acquired the rights to The Wheel of Time (originally as Red Eagle Entertainment) in 2004, and the seemingly ambitious three-year development timeline, have raised eyebrows among fans.

A quick online search reveals a strained relationship between iwot Studios and the dedicated The Wheel of Time fanbase. Numerous posts from skeptical fans describe iwot as an "IP camper" and accuse the company of mismanaging the The Wheel of Time intellectual property over the years. Several projects have reportedly failed to materialize, leading to accusations of squandering the franchise's potential. A decade-old Reddit post further amplifies these grievances.

The notion that a newly formed video game studio could rapidly produce a high-caliber RPG that meets the lofty expectations of The Wheel of Time enthusiasts has led to a general "we'll believe it when we see it" sentiment online.

However, The Wheel of Time has recently enjoyed renewed popularity thanks to its successful Amazon Prime Video series, which concluded its third season to positive feedback. After facing criticism for significant deviations from the source material in Seasons 1 and 2, Season 3 managed to win back much of the core fanbase. This resurgence has introduced the series to a new audience, heightening anticipation for the announced video game.

Intrigued by the online discourse and eager to learn more, I arranged a video call with Rick Selvage, head of iwot Studios, and Craig Alexander, the studio head overseeing the game's development. Our discussion aimed to shed light on the project's current status, its scope, what fans can expect, and to directly address the criticisms circulating online.