When it comes to genre-defining works, few would argue that Game of Thrones has become the epitome of dark medieval fantasy, especially for modern audiences. Since the conclusion of the HBO series, the world of Westeros has been relatively 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 in the gaming realm.
Netmarble's eagerly anticipated game, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, is set to launch in early access on March 26th. There's just one small caveat for mobile enthusiasts: the initial release will be exclusive to Steam. This move marks a notable shift for Netmarble, a company traditionally focused on mobile gaming, as they venture into the PC gaming market with this iconic franchise.
The decision to launch on Steam first is intriguing, given Netmarble's mobile-centric history. However, if any title has the potential to attract a broad audience, it's Game of Thrones. A successful early access phase on Steam could pave the way for a mobile release sooner rather than later.
Netmarble's strategy here is somewhat perplexing, especially considering their long-standing focus on mobile gaming. It might be a stress test of sorts, as PC gamers tend to be more critical of any perceived flaws in gameplay experience. This approach, however, leaves mobile players, who have historically been more forgiving, waiting on the sidelines. This strategy mirrors recent moves by other companies, such as the releases of Once Human and Delta Force, which also prioritized PC over mobile.
Is this a sign of a broader shift towards PC-first strategies from companies traditionally focused on mobile? Only time will tell. In the meantime, if you're eager for Game of Thrones: Kingsroad to hit mobile, why not explore some of the latest releases on our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week?
