The recent reveal of a The Wheel of Time video game in development caught fans off guard – and triggered waves of skepticism across online communities.
First reported by Variety, the announcement describes an ambitious "AAA open-world RPG" for PC and consoles based on Robert Jordan’s epic 14-book fantasy series. Notably, developers cited a surprisingly brief three-year development timeline.
The project is being handled by iwot Studios' newly established Montreal division, led by Craig Alexander – former Warner Bros. Games executive who previously oversaw major titles including Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online. While Alexander's pedigree typically inspires confidence, two factors have tempered fan enthusiasm: iwot Studios' acquisition of the franchise rights (originally as Red Eagle Entertainment) back in 2004, and questions surrounding the feasibility of developing a triple-A RPG within three years.
Online discussions reveal significant distrust toward iwot Studios among Wheel of Time enthusiasts. Multiple forum threads feature accusations of the company "sitting on the IP" for nearly two decades, with references to a decade-old Reddit post chronicling unfulfilled promises. Detractors have dubbed iwot an "IP camper" and criticized what they perceive as mismanagement of the beloved franchise.
This skepticism has converged with broader doubts about any newly formed studio's ability to deliver a blockbuster RPG that satisfies the franchise's exacting fanbase. The prevailing online sentiment echoes a cautious "proof will be in the pudding" position.
The timing coincides with renewed interest in The Wheel of Time following Prime Video's adaptation. While early seasons drew criticism from book purists for narrative deviations, the acclaimed third season (with Season 4 pending renewal) has successfully expanded the franchise's audience.
Seeking clarity on these concerns, we conducted exclusive interviews with iwot Studios president Rick Selvage and gaming division head Craig Alexander. Our discussions covered project scope, development realities, fan expectations, and point-by-point responses to prevalent criticisms.
