When discussing genre-defining works, few would dispute that Game of Thrones stands as the quintessential example of dark medieval fantasy for modern audiences. Since the conclusion of the HBO series, the world of Westeros has been largely quiet, with the exception of the spin-off, House of the Dragon. However, fans of the franchise have a new reason to celebrate, at least on the gaming front, as Netmarble's eagerly anticipated game, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, is set to launch into early access on March 26th. There's a slight catch, though—initially, it will be exclusively available on Steam, leaving mobile gamers waiting for now.
This move marks a significant shift for Netmarble, a company traditionally focused on mobile gaming. Yet, if any title has the potential to draw widespread attention, it's Game of Thrones. A successful early access period on Steam could pave the way for a mobile release sooner rather than later.
Insert Jon Snow knowing nothing joke here
Netmarble's decision to launch on Steam first is intriguing, especially given their mobile-centric history. This might serve as a stress test, as PC players tend to be more critical of any perceived flaws in their gaming experience. However, this strategy leaves mobile players—who have historically been more forgiving—in a bit of a bind. It mirrors the approach taken by other companies with games like Once Human and Delta Force, which also prioritized PC over mobile at launch.
This trend could signal a broader shift among traditionally mobile-focused companies towards a PC-first strategy. Only time will tell if this becomes a more common approach.
While you await the mobile release of Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, why not explore some of the latest top five new mobile games we've highlighted this week?