Game of Thrones: Kingsroad – A New Mobile Adventure in the World of Westeros
During The Game Awards 2024, Netmarble, the Chinese publisher known for its innovative mobile games, unveiled a trailer for their latest project, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad. The action-adventure RPG invites players to step into the richly detailed world of Westeros. But before fans get too excited, there’s a catch: the game is exclusively for mobile platforms, specifically Android and iOS.
A Mixed First Impression
If you watched the reveal on a smaller screen at FullHD resolution, the trailer might have looked like a dream come true for fans of George R.R. Martin’s epic saga. Iconic characters stood side by side with strikingly accurate designs and voices from the original HBO cast.
However, watching the same trailer on a 4K display exposed its visual shortcomings. Compared to other premieres at The Game Awards, such as CD Projekt RED’s The Witcher IV, the graphics for Kingsroad seemed a generation behind, especially in details like hair textures and clothing animations.
The explanation for this discrepancy is simple: Game of Thrones: Kingsroad was developed with mobile devices in mind. While mobile gaming has made significant leaps in quality, there’s still a noticeable gap compared to the capabilities of PC and console games.
The Story and Gameplay
In Kingsroad, players assume the role of a new character who unexpectedly inherits House Tyre, a minor noble house in the North of Westeros. The game offers deep customization options, allowing players to design their character’s appearance and choose from three distinct classes:
- Sellsword – A versatile fighter.
- Knight – A defense-oriented warrior.
- Assassin – A stealthy and deadly combatant.
This fresh narrative angle gives players the freedom to carve their own path in the Game of Thrones universe, unencumbered by the weight of existing lore.
Netmarble’s Vision for Westeros
Netmarble, known for previous Game of Thrones mobile titles like the MMORPG and turn-based RPG, aims to bring new depth to Westeros. CEO Young-sig Kwon shared his excitement:
“We believe Game of Thrones is a world rich with untold stories and adventures, and we’re pleased to bring Westeros to life in an exciting new way for gamers.”
While fans may hope for a PC version in the future, Netmarble’s focus remains on mobile platforms, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.
Global Release Plans
Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is slated for release in 2025 across Europe, America, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. However, release details for Asia are still under discussion. In the meantime, interested players can sign up on the official website to receive updates and early access information.
What to Expect from Kingsroad
While the visuals may not rival those of AAA PC or console games, Kingsroad promises an engaging story, customizable gameplay, and the chance to explore the world of Westeros from a fresh perspective. For fans of mobile RPGs, this could be an exciting addition to the genre.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 16th December 2024