No one thought otherwise
The Internet’s Big Thing Today isn’t as exciting as The Internet’s Big Thing Today usually is because today’s topic is utterly predictable. The likes of Nintendo controller tree conspiracies and the arrival of virtual reality are interesting because there’s an air of mystery surrounding them. Hearing leaks of a Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor sequel isn’t as thrilling because is there anyone who thought that a sequel wouldn’t happen?
Yet, here we are, “debating” an all-but-sure thing. The way we arrive at this news is by a premature entry on stuntwoman Lauren Mary Kim’s résumé. As discovered by NerdLeaks, Kim lists “Shadows of Mordor 2” as motion capture work that she has performed at Blur Studios — a visual effects company that’s revered in the video game industry.
Whether or not this report is true is anyone’s guess. People on the Internet have faked things before; there’s precedent. But, let me offer this eloquent counterpoint: It’s probably true because why the fuck wouldn’t Warner Bros. make a Shadow of Mordor sequel?
Seriously. Shadow of Mordor was a runaway hit in 2014. It received near-universal critical praise. It won several game of the year awards. It made a lot of money. Also, it made a lot of money (this fact is extra important because it’s the one Warner Bros. rightfully cares most about).
So, yeah — Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor will get a sequel, and the résumé entry shouldn’t have been anyone’s first inkling that it’ll happen. There will probably be an E3 reveal and a holiday release. Maybe someone’s even working on the early stages of a third Shadow of Mordor already. Players in the video game industry rarely leave money on the table, and this is one of the most obvious instances.
Shadow of Mordor 2 – A CGI Announcement Trailer Might Arrive at E3 2016 [NerdLeaks]
