In a move that absolutely nobody saw coming (except maybe the Eye of Sauron), developers behind The Lord of the Rings: Gollum have announced a sequel, Gollum 2: Precious Redemption. Yes, really. We get Gollum 2 before GTA VI.

After a launch that critics generously described as “brave” and players more accurately described as “a masterclass in secondhand embarrassment,” the idea of a follow-up seemed as likely as Frodo taking the Ring back to Mordor for fun. And yet, here we are. A second game is on the way, and according to the announcement trailer, it’s going to be “darker, sneakier, and even more obsessed with fish.”

A Sequel Forged in Fire… and Confusion

The development team (still mysteriously elusive and possibly operating out of a volcano) claims they’ve “listened to fan feedback.” If that’s true, then expect a game filled with fewer bugs, better stealth mechanics, and maybe just maybe a Gollum who doesn’t look like he’s perpetually stuck in an early PS3 tech demo.

But the boldest addition? Multiplayer. Yes, Gollum 2 will feature a co-op mode where one player controls Smeagol and the other plays as Gollum, bickering their way through moral decisions, poorly lit corridors, and what is rumored to be a 20-minute fishing minigame. It’s like It Takes Two, but with more schizophrenia and fewer endearing moments.

The Return of the King of Jank

Surprisingly, the gaming community has responded with something that vaguely resembles enthusiasm. Some are calling it a “second chance at greatness,” while others are calling it “the greatest troll in gaming history.” Either way, it’s trending, and not just for the usual reasons involving game crashes and apology letters.

One fan commented, “If Gollum can get a sequel, there’s hope for Anthem.” Another added, “I just want to see if it will crash and burn again.”

One More Trip to the Cracks of Doom

Is this a redemption arc? A glitchy fever dream? Or just a studio doubling down on its chaotic energy? We’ll find out when Gollum 2: Precious Redemption drops sometime next year, assuming the servers work and the game boots past the title screen.

Until then, may your stealth sections be short and your mind be sane.