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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallMiddle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War are associated with a Warner Bros. patent for a particular game system: U.S. Patent 10,926,179 B2, titled “Nemesis characters, nemesis forts, social vendettas and followers in computer games.” Available records support 2036 as the expected expiration year, but that does not mean every game featuring recurring rivals or reactive enemies is automatically barred from using similar ideas.
What is patented?
The patent describes a system involving Nemesis characters, Nemesis forts, social vendettas and followers in computer games. Its name is commonly linked to the Orc antagonists and evolving rivalries in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War. WIPO cites U.S. Patent 10,926,179 as an example of a patented video-game mechanic (WIPO).
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor - PlayStation 4 | $23.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Middle Earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition (PS4) | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor Game of the Year - PlayStation 4 | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor GOTY (PS4) | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Middle-earth: Shadow of War (PS4) | $15.97 | Buy on Amazon |
“The Nemesis system” is popular shorthand; it should not be confused with the exact scope of a patent’s claims. A patent protects what its claims define, not a broad genre idea merely because a later game also has recurring enemies or rivalries. Patent Arcade describes the system’s recognizable role in the Middle-earth games as creating distinctive antagonists shaped by encounters with the player (Patent Arcade).
When is the patent expected to expire?
The supported broad answer is 2036. GameSpot reports August 11, 2036, for the patent it discusses (GameSpot). Patent-family records and other coverage include differing dates, so the year is safer than presenting a single date as definitive for every related record.
#1 Best Overall
- Harness the Spirit of vengeance to inflict brutal combos while mastering powerful new skills and weaponry.
- Exploit the individual fears, weakness and memories of your enemies as you dismantle Sauron's forces from within.
- Become the most feared force in Mordor in a new chronicle set before the events of the Lord of the Rings.
Patent records can include original grants and continuations with their own identifying details. A date associated with one related record should not be assumed to be the expiration date of another. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is reported as the owner (TechRadar).
Does that mean other games cannot have Nemesis-like enemies?
No blanket conclusion follows from the patent’s existence. The available sources identify a particular patented implementation; they do not establish that every game mechanic involving a recurring enemy, rivalry, or character reacting to the player falls within its claims. Whether a specific game feature does so is a claim-specific legal question, not something that can be settled by the “Nemesis-like” label alone.
Rank #2
- PLAY THE DEFINITIVE EDITION OF MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR FROM THE AWARD-WINNING MONOLITH STUDIOS
- Winner of over 60 awards and nominations, conquer Mordor for the Bright Lord and enjoy 50+ hours of story content, 3 playable characters and the expansive Nemesis System.
- The Definitive Edition includes all DLC Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion
For anyone assessing a concrete legal question, the relevant document is the patent grant itself, not just news coverage or a game’s marketing description. This article does not provide a legal opinion on any particular game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check the record precisely
For a precise status or expiration-date claim, identify the exact grant—here, U.S. Patent 10,926,179 B2—and check its current USPTO record, including legal status and maintenance information. Compare a related record only after confirming its patent number and whether it is an original grant or a continuation. The sources cited here support the 2036 year, but do not establish the grant’s current legal status.
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Best Value
- A MONUMENTAL STORY: Immerse yourself in the epic scale of Middle-earth as you forge a new ring and siege epic fortresses to face the Dark Lord and Nazgul.
- NEMESIS SYSTEM EVOLVED: Experience a richer and more personal world full of new enemy types, stronger personalities and deeper stories – anyone you face can now evolve from a lowly Soldier to a mighty Overlord. Personal Nemesis or Ally.
- TURN MORDOR AGAINST SAURON: Go behind enemy lines and use strategy, cunning or brute force to conquer Sauron’s fortresses and turn them against him.
- IN MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR, NOTHING WILL BE FORGOTTEN.
Rank #4
- Story Packs: The Lord of The Hunt and The Bright Lord
- Skins: The Dark Ranger, Captain of the Watch, Lord of the Hunt, The Bright Lord, Power of Shadow and Lithariel Skins
- Runes: Hidden Blade, Deadly Archer, Flame of Anor, Rising Storm, Orc Slayer, Defiant to the End, Elven Grace, Ascendant, One with Nature
- Missions: Guardians of the Flaming Eye, The Berserks and The Skull Crushers Warband Missions
- Challenge Modes: Test of Power, Test of Speed, Test of Wisdom, Endless Challenge, Test of the Wild, Test of the Ring, Test of Defiance Challenge Modes.Additional Features: Photo Mode
Rank #3
- Become the most feared force in Mordor in a new chronicle set before the events of the Lord of the Rings
- Exploit the individual fears, weakness and memories of your enemies as you dismantle Sauron's forces from within
- Harness the Spirit of vengeance to inflict brutal combos while mastering powerful new skills and weaponry
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
