When it comes to genre-defining works, few would argue that Game of Thrones has become the epitome of dark medieval fantasy for modern audiences. Since the conclusion of the HBO series, the world of Westeros has largely remained untouched, aside from the spin-off, House of the Dragon. But now, the gaming landscape is about to change as Netmarble's highly anticipated Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is set to enter early access on March 26th. However, there's a caveat for mobile enthusiasts: the initial launch is exclusive to Steam.
This decision marks an intriguing shift for Netmarble, a company traditionally known for its focus on mobile gaming. Game of Thrones, with its massive appeal, could be the perfect catalyst to draw attention to this new venture. Here's hoping that a successful Steam early access phase paves the way for a mobile release in the near future.
Insert Jon Snow knowing nothing joke here
Netmarble's strategy puzzles me, especially given their long-standing commitment to mobile gaming. This might be a strategic move to stress test the game, as PC gamers are known to be more critical of any perceived flaws in their gaming experience. However, this approach might leave mobile gamers, who have traditionally been more forgiving, feeling sidelined. It echoes similar tactics used by other companies with games like Once Human and Delta Force, which also prioritized PC over mobile.
Are we witnessing a broader trend of mobile-centric companies shifting towards PC-first strategies? Only time will tell.
While you wait for Game of Thrones: Kingsroad to make its way to mobile, why not explore some of the exciting new releases featured in our latest list of the top five new mobile games to try this week?