The Hobbit Films Spawn A Strategy Game For Mobile And Another For Web

With the Peter Jackson Hobbit movie trilogy set to kick off this December, we can of course expect to see some tie-in video games. But the first pair of said games might not be what you're expecting. Kabam, partnering with New Line Cinema and MGM, has created to two strategy games set in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy universe; The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth for mobile and The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age for web.

in Kingdoms of Middle-earth for mobile, players are tasked with building and managing their own kingdom and joining other players in epic battles. Armies of the Third Age, however, is a browser-based strategy game that gives players control of an army of elves, dwarves or orcs, as well as heroes like Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, and pits them against one another in a battle for control of Middle-earth. Both games, you'll be happy to know, will be free to play.

“The Hobbit films are among the most anticipated entertainment launches of all time,” said Kabam CEO Kevin Chou. “Kabam's unique ability to blend the art of game design and the science of free-to-play distribution makes us a natural fit to partner with Warner Bros. to deliver thrilling games via the web and mobile devices for The Hobbit film fans around the world.”

Both games are due out sometime this fall, but you can now sign up for the Armies of the Third Age beta by visiting the official website.