The room-based design was discarded some time ago in favour of the continuous landscape approach.
Middle-earth.com is intended as an atlas, or a reflection of the world of Middle-earth that we are creating.
Just as we are approaching the creation of Middle-earth as a careful interpretation of the great works of Professor Tolkien, we intend that this place should reflect the beauty and rich history of Middle-earth.
To accomplish this, we have approached our site as we would provide a guide for a traveler to another land. Each area, or place in the site reflects a place in Middle-earth. Though we begin with only a couple of places, every so often a new area will emerge on the site - will appear on the road - with more information for eager explorers.
Thus, when you can finally come to Middle-earth and explore its beauty for yourself, you will find this site a guide and mirror of that place; ever-changing with the dynamic world it reflects.
Can I contribute to Middle-earth.com?
Yes, though we are not accepting contributions yet, there are plans to allow players to submit suggestions and even major contributions to the site. This is likely when the game moves into testing and launch, when we hope citizens of the cities and towns on Middle-earth.com will use the site as a forum for their growing communities.
Can we have more maps?
Yes, all in good time.
Registered visitors get our email news, letting them know when the site's been changed and giving them advance notice of exciting things. In the future registered users may again have the chance to earn prizes of items from The Mathom-house.
Of course. Please use our official link box.
Can I make copies of your images or text for my website?
We have to say no, aside from those specifically granted, such as the link box. Please link to us instead. As good web citizens we would discourage the duplication of bits.
What's this artwork on the website? Is this how the game will look?
The website is presently decorated with concept art and paintings that do not reflect of the final look of the game, particularly when you consider that the game will employ real-time 3D graphics and lighting.
Over time we will publish more game artwork, including characters and locations rendered from our real-time and high detail models. Right now we're keeping this material under wraps.
Why hasn't the site been updated for so long?
As you may be aware, Middle-earth's development was recently moved from Yosemite Entertainment, a Sierra division that was based on California, to be under Sierra Studios in Bellevue, Washington. The changes and disruption inherent to the move have delayed major updates to the website. For this we apologise.
Please take the time to read our potted biography.
Where can I find out more about the history of Middle-earth?
Middle-earth is directly based on the world of J. R. R. Tolkien's classic novels The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. These works were strongly influenced by his greater mythology, exposed in the Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales and the History of Middle-earth series.
Those of you that have yet to enjoy Tolkien's classics - and others who might have gaps in their library - might peruse the selection offered here in association with Amazon.com.