The recent announcement of a video game adaptation of Robert Jordan's beloved The Wheel of Time series has stirred both excitement and skepticism among fans. According to a report from Hollywood trade publication Variety, a "AAA open-world role-playing game" is currently in development for PC and consoles, with an ambitious three-year timeline.

The project is being spearheaded by iwot Studios' new Montreal-based game developer, under the leadership of former Warner Bros. Games executive Craig Alexander. Alexander's impressive track record includes overseeing the development of major titles such as The Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online, and Asheron's Call. Despite this, the involvement of iwot Studios, which acquired the rights to The Wheel of Time (originally as Red Eagle Entertainment) back in 2004, and the seemingly unrealistic three-year development window have raised doubts among fans.

A quick online search of iwot Studios reveals a strained relationship with the core The Wheel of Time fanbase. Numerous posts from skeptical fans label iwot as an "IP camper," accusing the studio of mismanaging the franchise over the years. Some fans point to a decade-old Reddit thread that amplifies these concerns, highlighting multiple unfulfilled projects. The notion of a new studio launching a fully-fledged triple-A RPG in just three years has further fueled the "we'll believe it when we see it" sentiment online.

However, The Wheel of Time has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its Amazon Prime Video series, which recently concluded its third season. Despite initial backlash over significant deviations from the source material in Seasons 1 and 2, Season 3 managed to win back many fans with its improved narrative. This success has introduced the series to a broader audience, setting the stage for potential interest in the upcoming game.

In light of these developments, I reached out to iwot Studios for more insight. In a video call, I discussed the project with Rick Selvage, the head of iwot Studios, and Craig Alexander, the studio head overseeing the game's development. Our conversation aimed to clarify the project's current status, its scope, and what fans can expect, while also addressing the criticisms circulating online.