Brussels, August 2024 – After three years of hard work, Repos Production is proud to announce the imminent release of its brand new board game, The Lord of the Rings - Duel for Middle-earth, scheduled for October 4, 2024. Created by Antoine Bauza and Bruno Cathala, authors of 7 Wonders Duel, this new gem promises an immersive and strategic experience in the universe of J.R.R. Tolkien.
An Epic Duel for the Fate of Middle-earth
In The Lord of the Rings - Duel for Middle-earth, two players face off to determine the fate of Middle-earth. One player embodies the Fellowship of the Ring, seeking to protect the free peoples and destroy the One Ring, while the other plays as Sauron, attempting to capture Frodo and Sam and overwhelm Middle-earth with his evil hordes. The game allows players to experience the saga through its three chapters, each corresponding to a book (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King). “We wouldn’t have just slapped a new theme on 7 Wonders Duel,” explains Bruno Cathala. “After the two expansions, we felt there was nothing more to add to the game.” “Then Tanguy from Repos Production called us to say there was a possibility to work on The Lord of the Rings,” recalls Antoine Bauza. “And that inspired us because it made sense. We thought about game mechanics that would bring this story to life.”
Immersive Strategic Mechanics
“What seemed fundamental to us from the outset,” explains Bruno Cathala, “is that the game couldn’t end by counting points. There had to be a definitive end, a clear victory, to reflect the epic showdown at the heart of The Lord of the Rings. Either the Fellowship triumphs, or Sauron wins. This led us to the idea of decisive victory conditions that conclude the game.” Thus, the game offers three distinct victory conditions, each providing a unique strategic path:
- Quest for the Ring: Lead Frodo and Sam to Mount Doom to destroy the Ring, or have the Nazgûl catch them to seize it.
- Alliance of the Peoples: Gather the support of six different peoples of Middle-earth to win, on the new game board.
- Conquest of Middle-earth: Control the seven key regions by placing your fortresses and units.
“We took out the math,” smiles Antoine Bauza, who adds, “Besides these major changes, we also took the opportunity to revisit 7 Wonders Duel, making the rules more accessible, especially in the management of trade. We also revised the green cards and the Wonders, eliminating the initial draft part. Our goal was to provide a streamlined experience focused on the story.”
Colourful Depictions
To illustrate the adventure, a unique brush was needed. Vincent Dutrait (HEAT, Jaipur, Oltrée...) jumped into the battle. His paintings immerse players in Tolkien's rich and detailed universe, making each game visually captivating. “We suggested Vincent because it was obvious to us to have his touch, his vibrant colors, in this universe. We wouldn’t have done it if the game had been illustrated with photos!” explains Bruno Cathala. “I knew Vincent was a fan of The Lord of the Rings!” The game components, including 69 cards, 44 tokens, 18 markers, and much more, are all meticulously designed to reflect the spirit and atmosphere of Middle-earth. Notably, the military cards in each chapter form a mural, depicting the battles.
About the Authors
Antoine Bauza, creator of 7 Wonders in 2010, is a French game designer born in 1978. With a degree in literature and oriental civilizations, he has successfully integrated his passions into his playful creations. He is credited with 7 Wonders (Spiel des Jahres in 2010 in the "Kenner" category), Hanabi (Spiel des Jahres in 2013), Takenoko, and Tokaido. His ability to create original and accessible games has made a mark on the gaming world. In The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth, he prefers to play the side of the Fellowship and the good guys!
Bruno Cathala, co-creator of 7 Wonders Duel, is a French game designer born in 1963. An engineer by training, he quickly swapped his industrial career to fully devote himself to his passion for board games. Bruno Cathala is the author of many successful games such as Mr. Jack, Kingdomino (Spiel des Jahres in 2017), Five Tribes, Splendor Duel (co-author with Marc André), and many others. His ability to innovate and diversify his creations has made him an iconic figure in the gaming world. In The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth, he prefers to play the side of Sauron!