I say loosely tied because I don’t recall Bilbo creating and managing his own fantasy kingdom as players will do in The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-Earth for mobile phones.
Nor did he, and mind you it’s been a while since I read the book, take command of a large army as players will in the browser-based The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age. There were armies, of course, but just that one major battle. I am assuming there will be more than that in the browser game, which will feature Bilbo and Gandalf the Off-White as champions amidst the armies of Dwarves, Elves and Man.
Both Hobbit tie-ins are due to launch before Christmas. Interested parties can sign up for The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age beta right now.
Would have been so epic to have this movies before tlotr.
Gah - damn Legolas... Want to know how PJ has inserted Orlando's only worthy role into a tale in which Legolas isn't even a part of...
PJ has often said he intends to explore the appendices, where Legolas is heavily involved in the initial hunt for Gollum. He'll probably make a non-canon appearance in Mirkwood too.