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 remained largely untouched, save for the spin-off series, House of the Dragon. However, the gaming realm is about to bring Westeros back into the spotlight with Netmarble's upcoming release, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, which is set to hit early access on March 26th. There's a small caveat for mobile enthusiasts: the game will initially launch exclusively on Steam.
This strategic move by Netmarble, a company traditionally known for its focus on mobile gaming, is quite intriguing. Given the massive appeal of Game of Thrones, there's hope that a successful Steam early access campaign will pave the way for a mobile release sooner rather than later.
Insert Jon Snow knowing nothing joke here
Netmarble's decision to prioritize a Steam launch over a mobile one is somewhat perplexing, especially given their long-standing focus on mobile gaming. This could be seen as a stress test scenario, as PC players are known to scrutinize any aspect they feel might detract from their gaming experience. However, this approach might leave mobile gamers, who have historically been more forgiving, feeling neglected. This follows a similar pattern seen with other titles like Once Human and Delta Force, where PC releases were prioritized over mobile ones.
This shift might signal a broader trend among companies traditionally focused on mobile gaming, moving towards a PC-first strategy. Only time will tell how this trend develops.
If you're eager to pass the time while waiting for Game of Thrones: Kingsroad to make its way to mobile, why not explore some of the new releases featured in our latest list of the top five new mobile games to try this week?