The provided source material exclusively details promotional opportunities for obtaining the video game Middle-earth: Shadow of War at no cost through subscription services and limited-time offers. The sources focus on two primary distribution channels: Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service and Amazon’s Prime Gaming service for PC users. Additionally, the material clarifies the status of specific downloadable content (DLC) associated with the title. There is no information provided regarding free samples, product trials, or promotional offers in categories such as beauty, baby care, pet products, health, food, or household goods. The following analysis details the specific freebie programs, eligibility requirements, and timeframes as reported in the source documents.
PlayStation Plus Freebie Program
Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service offered Middle-earth: Shadow of War as part of its "PS Plus Collection" and monthly free game lineup during the transition to the PlayStation 5 console generation.
Eligibility and Availability According to Source [1], Middle-earth: Shadow of War was included in the first round of PlayStation Plus freebie releases for the PS5 era. The offer was available to PlayStation Plus members. Specifically, the game was listed as one of the titles members could "pick between" during the November release period. While the exact redemption dates for Shadow of War itself are not explicitly defined in the text beyond the general November timeframe, the source notes that a related title, Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition, was available for download between November 3rd and 30th.
Console Specifics The promotional material highlights a distinction between PS4 and PS5 availability. The "PlayStation Plus Collection," launched on November 12, allowed PS5 owners to redeem and play a curated selection of acclaimed PS4 games. Source [1] explicitly lists Middle-earth: Shadow of War as part of this collection, alongside titles such as Batman Arkham Knight, Bloodborne, Fallout 4, and God of War. This suggests the game was permanently available to PS5 owners with an active subscription during the program's active period, rather than being a rotating monthly title.
Amazon Prime Gaming (PC) Offerings
Amazon Prime members have access to Prime Gaming, which frequently offers PC games at no additional cost. Source [3] confirms that Middle-earth: Shadow of War was included in the October lineup for Prime Gaming.
Claiming and Retention A key benefit of the Prime Gaming program, as noted in Source [3], is the permanence of the claim. Subscribers are able to "claim and keep the game forever, even after their Prime membership ends." This distinguishes it from rental-style trials. The game is added to the user's library (typically via the Amazon Games App or third-party launchers like Twitch) and remains accessible indefinitely.
Context of the Offer Source [3] notes that this offer followed the distribution of Shadow of War’s predecessor, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, as part of the previous month’s Prime Gaming lineup. The timing coincided with the release of the "Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" TV series, suggesting a strategic alignment with renewed interest in the franchise. Source [2] lists Middle-earth: Shadow of War among the highlights for October 2022, alongside Fallout 76 and Total War: Warhammer 2.
Promotional DLC and Charity Initiatives
Beyond the base game, the source material addresses specific downloadable content associated with Middle-earth: Shadow of War, specifically the "Forthog Orc Slayer" DLC.
The Forthog Orc Slayer DLC Source [5] details a charitable promotion involving a character based on Mike "Forthog" Forgey, an executive producer who passed away during the game's production. Initially, Warner Bros. announced that the DLC would be sold, with $3.50 of every purchase going to the Forgey family. However, confusion arose regarding geographic restrictions and whether the developer or publisher retained any profits.
Transition to Free Content Due to the confusion and "perpetually confusing" wording mentioned in Source [5], Warner Bros. clarified that neither the publisher nor the developer would receive any profits, regardless of the sale location. Ultimately, the company announced that the DLC would be made free for everyone. Source [5] quotes the official statement: "For absolute clarity; our intention was always to give all profits from the DLC, worldwide to the Forgey family." This resolved the controversy and made the content accessible without purchase.
Game Features and Consumer Reception
While the primary focus of the source material is the availability of the game via freebie programs, Source [3], Source [4], and Source [6] provide context on the game's features and reception, which may be relevant to consumers considering the download.
Gameplay Mechanics Middle-earth: Shadow of War is described as an open-world action RPG set in JRR Tolkien’s fantasy world (Source [1]). The player assumes the role of the ranger Talion. A standout feature, highlighted in Source [3], is the "Nemesis System," which allows orc chieftains to rise through ranks and remember past encounters with the player. The game also features a siege system where players can amass and command armies (Source [3] and Source [6]).
Microtransactions and Grinding The game was controversial for its inclusion of loot boxes and microtransactions. Source [4] notes that while the ability to purchase loot boxes was controversial, the system did not feel balanced in a way that encouraged spending. The reviewer stated, "I always had a good supply of gear otherwise," and that microtransactions never negatively impacted the experience. However, Source [6] criticizes the game for becoming a "repetitive grind" without a strong narrative to keep players motivated, noting that "stronger orc leaders requiring increasingly cheap tactics to defeat" can make the adventure feel like a "slog."
Narrative and Easter Eggs Source [6] argues that the game’s story feels like an "afterthought" compared to the rich lore of the source material. Despite this, Source [4] mentions an Easter egg referencing the game's comparison to Assassin's Creed, with orc dialogue stating, "I’m an assassin!" followed by, "We all are! It’s like a creed!"
Conclusion
The provided source material confirms that Middle-earth: Shadow of War was distributed through legitimate promotional freebie programs by both Sony and Amazon. PlayStation Plus members, particularly those on PS5, had access to the title via the PlayStation Plus Collection, while Amazon Prime members could claim the PC version permanently through Prime Gaming in October 2022. Additionally, the "Forthog Orc Slayer" DLC, originally intended as a charitable purchase, was clarified and released as free content for all players. No information regarding free samples, trials, or offers in consumer goods categories was found in the provided documentation.