Game of Thronesis a series with rich lore, intriguing and complex characters, and beautiful settings, which has seen its television show adaptation become a deserved global phenomenon. With such a beloved fantasy world, it’s surprising that it hasn’t been translated into a similarly successful video game; a medium known for its ability to express an immersive and intricate experience. This becomes even more disappointing when considering how a big-budget AAA video game could achieve this. The reveal ofGame of Thrones: Kingsroadis but another letdown for the series.
Announced at The Game Awards 2024,Kingsroadis a narrative-driven action RPG, which is exactly what an adaptation of the series could achieve well. However,Game of Thrones: Kingsroadis a mobile-exclusive title which is set for release in 2025, developed by Netmarble ofStar Wars: Force ArenaandMarvel Future Revolutionfame. A video game adaptation ofA Song of Ice and Firedeserves to have a fully immersive, polished, and in-depth AAA experience not unlikeThe Elder Scrolls, meaning fans of the Westeros-set fantasy are still waiting for this vision to be fulfilled in 2025.
Game Of Thrones Has Yet To Have A Super Successful Video Game
GoT Video Game Adaptations Have Been Lackluster
Despite arguably being the biggest cultural phenomenon of the past 15 years,Game of Thronesis yet to have a video game adaptation comparable to its television compatriot. The closest to success wasTelltale Games' episodicGame Of Thrones, which was released in 2014. The series mimicked the political intrigue and consequential decision-making of the show, and even featured voice acting from cast members of the TV show like Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, and more.Telltale Games were known for their emotionally driven decision-based story games, but theirGame of Thronesadaptation received a mixed reception from fans and critics.
Game of Thrones: Kingsroadwill be the 12th video game adaptation of the A Song of Ice and Fire books, orGame of ThronesTV show.
While Telltale’sGame of Throneswas faithful to the source and featured a compelling narrative, it had many graphical glitches and was largely forgettable due to the Telltale formula becoming repetitive, ending up with aMetacriticscore of 64. Other mobile adaptations likeGame of Thrones: ConquestandGame of Thrones: Beyond the Wallare average free-to-play games, focusing on aggressive microtransactions rather than a compelling narrative. The largely forgotten 2012Game of Thronesdeveloped by Cyanide utilized the ARPG formula, but failed critically and commercially.This pattern of mediocrityhighlights the necessity for an ambitious AAA game forGoT.
One Of The Biggest Shows Of All Time Deserves The AAA Experience
Gaming Has Many Compelling Fantasy Worlds, So Should GoT
TheGame of Thronesname alone brings to mind images of epic fantasy, complex political tension, and captivating characters. Games likeThe Witcher 3, The Elder Scrolls, andBaldur’s Gate 3have achieved all of the above excellently.Game of Thronesdemandsa similar well-crafted experiencelike these examples, as it has all the necessary foundations for a dense and lore-filled RPGto be developed by a large studio.Baldur’s Gate 3especially demonstrates how to adapt an intricate fantasy world; the gameplay style of this title would make an idealGame of Thronesinteractive experience.
All Classes In Game Of Thrones: Kingsroad Explained
The new Game of Thrones: Kingsroad open world adventure role-playing game is coming in 2025 to mobile platforms and has three unique classes.
An example of a theoreticalGame of Thronesadaptation would be asprawling open-world RPGset in Westeros. Players could explore a few of the major cities controlled by the main factions, like the Starks and the Lannisters, choosing which house to align with (or forge their own path).Fans deservedly feel outraged that no developer is willing to bring this vision to light, as ultimately,Game of Thronesdeserves more than a lowkey mobile game- the name alone necessitates a widely ambitious project akin to the billion dollar television outing.
A Good GoT Game Could Help Redeem The Series
Game Of Thrones Needs To Save Its Reputation
Despite being a global sensation, theGame of Thronesname has suffered from notoriety lately. Thefinal season was universally pannedfor being rushed and an unsatisfying conclusion, George R.R Martin’s delayedThe Winds of Winterseems to be an abandoned project, and the latest season of the spin-offHouse of the Dragonwas disappointing compared to the ambitious debut. These controversies and missteps have reduced enthusiasm among fans,andnews ofGame of Thrones: Kingsroadextends the cautious sentiment, rather than providing optimism.
Game of Thrones: Kingsroadoffers a glimpse of what’s possible in aGoTvideo game, due to its narrative focus and action gameplay. However,the vast world of Westeros deserves an ambitious AAA title on major consoles and PCs, as the possibilities for a compelling title are endless.A game like this could reignite the passion for the series, and remind gamers of why fans across the globe fell in love with the TV show. Until then,Game of Thronesenthusiasts remain patiently waiting for a video game worthy of the Iron Throne’s legacy.
