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The worlds of Tolkien are a powerful force for games retailers, with a massive range of titles and merchandise based on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
MCVsets off on an unexpected journey
Despite being originally published over six decades ago, The Lord of the Rings continues to be one of the strongest franchises for retail, with myriad products based on the fantasy series and its predecessor, The Hobbit, released every year.
The popularity of Peter Jackson’s cinematic Lord of the Rings trilogy released in the early 2000s reignited mass-market popularity for the series, with publisher EA securing the rights to all three movies and releasing titles based on the second and third films. The firm also produced a variety of spin-off games, including turn-based RPG The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age and RTS series The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth.
In addition to this, developer Turbine released an MMO in 2007 entitled The Lord of the Rings Online. Initially supported by subscriptions, the game’s revenue tripled when it switched to a free-to-play business model in 2010. The game continues to be popularity among players, bolstered by the release of multiple expansion packs, most recently in 2013.
Powerful alone, the franchise’s clout was multiplied further when combined with the similarly dominant LEGO brand. Both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have been given the plastic brick treatment, resulting in a string of successful LEGO video games and construction kits inspired by the iconic licence.
Tolkien’s world returned to the silver screen in 2012 with Peter Jackson’s expansive adaptation of The Hobbit, with the last of the cinematic triplet set for release this December.
Before then is the highly-anticipated release of the next Lord of the Rings video game. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor lands on PC today (September 30th), followed by PS4 and Xbox One on October 3rd.
With the franchise clearly set to endure for years to come, now is the time to stock Tolkienesque merchandise.
The One Ring Costume Ring
One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, One ring to impress them all and at retail be purchased by them.
SRP: 17.99
Distributor: The Noble Collection
Contact: customerservice@noblecollection.com
LEGO The Tower of Orthanc
This brick-based replica of Saruman’s iconic tower includes a LEGO Great Eagle and buildable Ent. The product is the ideal kit to stock alongside the LEGO Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit titles.
SRP: 169.99
Distributor: LEGO
Contact: 01753 495 000
Moleskine The Hobbit Limited Edition Pocket Notebook
Tolkien fans can write their own epic with this debossed pad.
SRP: 13.99
Distributor: Moleskine
Contact: www.moleskine.com/gb/
Tree of Gondor Bathrobe
Consumers can dry off from the Dead Marshes in this emblazoned cotton robe.
SRP: TBC
Distributor: Warner Bros
Contact: affiliates@wbshop.com
The Hobbit Feet Socks
These socks will keep feet comfy on the long walk to Mount Doom.
SRP: 8.99
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Gandalf The Grey Illuminating Staff Replica
YOU SHALL NOT PASS (up the chance to stock this full-size replica of the grey wizard’s staff).
SRP: 159.99
Distributor: The Noble Collection
Contact: customerservice@noblecollection.com
Wrebbit Citadel of Minas Tirith 3D Puzzle
Lord of the Rings enthusiasts can recreate the Gondorian capital with this 3D puzzle.
SRP: 30
Distributor: Coiledspring Games
Contact: sales@coiledspring.co.uk
Beards of Middle Earth T-Shirt
Fans can show their appreciation for Middle-earth facial hair with this shirt.
SRP: 19.99
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
