"Wheel of Time RPG Legit, No Release Date Yet -，可能为PS6和Next Xbox"

The recent announcement of a video game based on Robert Jordan's epic The Wheel of Time series has taken fans by surprise and ignited a wave of skepticism across online platforms. According to Variety, a Hollywood trade publication, the upcoming game is described as a "AAA open-world role-playing game" designed for PC and consoles, with a projected three-year development timeline.

The project is being spearheaded by iwot Studios' new game development arm in Montreal, under the leadership of Craig Alexander, a former executive at Warner Bros. Games. Alexander's notable past projects include The Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online, and Asheron's Call. While this pedigree might typically excite fans, the involvement of iwot Studios and the ambitious three-year development timeline have raised eyebrows.

A quick online search into iwot Studios reveals a strained relationship with the core The Wheel of Time fanbase. The studio, which acquired the rights (originally as Red Eagle Entertainment) back in 2004, has faced accusations of being an "IP camper" and "squandering" the IP with numerous projects that never came to fruition. Skeptical fans often reference a decade-old Reddit thread that amplifies these concerns.

The skepticism is further fueled by doubts about a newly established studio being able to deliver a high-caliber RPG that meets the lofty expectations of The Wheel of Time enthusiasts. This has resulted in a prevalent "we'll believe it when we see it" sentiment online.

Despite this, The Wheel of Time has recently enjoyed renewed popularity thanks to its Amazon Prime Video series, which successfully concluded its third season. While Seasons 1 and 2 introduced significant deviations from the books, causing some upset among core fans, Season 3 managed to win back much of the goodwill with its improved storytelling. With the show yet to announce a fourth season, it has nonetheless introduced the series to a broader audience.

Curious about the project, I reached out to iwot Studios for more insights. In a video call, I discussed the game's development with Rick Selvage, the head of iwot Studios, and Craig Alexander, who leads the studio's video game division. Our conversation aimed to clarify the project's current status, its scope, what fans can anticipate, and to address the online criticisms head-on.