Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was a rather pleasant surprise for Warner Bros. Interactive when it debuted in 2014. So it was a bit unusual that we had not even heard a hint of a sequel until Target leaked some details this weekend. But WB has now officially confirmed the existence of Middle-earth: Shadow of War as well as a release date of August 22.

The official website launched today, touting the game for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Notably, the official release also says the game will work with Microsoft's upcoming Project Scorpio and PS4 Pro. The trailer even has a version for 4K resolution.

The game description is simple, and doesn't offer much about game play yet: "Go behind enemy lines to forge your army, conquer Fortresses and dominate Mordor from within. Experience how the award winning Nemesis System creates unique personal stories with every enemy and follower, and confront the full power of the Dark Lord Sauron and his Ringwraiths in this epic new story of Middle-earth. In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, nothing will be forgotten." The game is set between the time of Tolkien's The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

Pre-orders have also launched, with a Standard, Silver, Gold and Limited Edition Mithril editions. A Standard edition preorder nets you the Legendary Champions War Party and the exclusive Epic Sword of Dominion. The Silver edition adds two planned expansions - Slaughter Tribe Nemesis and Outlaw Tribe Nemesis, and a silver War Chest. For Gold, you get the expansions plus the Blade of Galadriel Story expansion, The Desolation of Mordor Story expansion and a Gold War Chest.

The Mithril Edition is the big draw, if you are into collecting precious things. You get all the expansions and the gold chest, plus:

• Limited Edition 15” Tar-Goroth Balrog vs. Carnan Drake Statue
• Collection of Exclusive Lithographs
• Premium Case with Magnetic Ring of Power
• Exclusive Steelcase
• Official Game Music Soundtrack
• Cloth Map of Mordor
• Tribes Sticker Pack
• Exclusive Mithril War Chest

Nemesis expansions include "a new Orc Tribe featuring new enemies, followers, missions, abilities, weapons, Fortress and wilderness updates, and a Mythic Gear Set." Story expansions "introduce a new campaign, playable character & abilities, side missions, enemies, allies & more." There is no mention yet of a Season Pass.

No prices have been revealed as of yet, as partner pages for Best Buy and GameStop lead to 404s. 

The announcement of Scorpio and a release date raises the question of whether Scorpio will be launched by August 22, or if Shadow of War will be available for the new platform when it launches later in the year. Scorpio is supposed to get its official reveal at E3, hopefully along with a release date and price point.