When it comes to genre-defining works, few would argue that Game of Thrones has become the quintessential example of dark medieval fantasy for modern audiences. Since the conclusion of the HBO miniseries, the world of Westeros has been relatively quiet, with the exception of the spin-off series, House of the Dragon. However, fans of the franchise have something new to look forward to on the gaming front.
Netmarble's highly anticipated game, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, is set to launch in early access on March 26th. There's a catch, though: for now, it's exclusively available on Steam. This move marks an interesting shift for Netmarble, a company traditionally known for its focus on mobile gaming. Given the widespread appeal of the Game of Thrones brand, a successful Steam early access campaign could pave the way for a mobile release in the near future.
Netmarble's decision to launch on Steam first is somewhat puzzling, especially considering their long-standing focus on mobile platforms. It's possible that this is a strategic move to stress test the game, as PC players are known to be more critical of any issues that might affect their gaming experience. However, this approach leaves mobile players, who have historically been more forgiving, waiting on the sidelines. This tactic mirrors similar strategies seen with other games like Once Human and Delta Force, which also prioritized PC over mobile.
This trend raises the question: are we witnessing a shift towards PC-first approaches from companies traditionally focused on mobile gaming? Only time will tell. In the meantime, if you're eager to pass the time while waiting for Game of Thrones: Kingsroad to hit mobile, why not explore some of the top five new mobile games featured in our latest list?
Insert Jon Snow knowing nothing joke here