In the realm of PC gaming, where peculiarities often reign supreme, the spotlight shines on the enigmatic world of Game of Thrones role-playing games (RPGs). The prospect of a CRPG set in the rich tapestry of Westeros seems like a natural fit, yet it remains tantalizingly out of reach, often veering off course in the corporate landscape.
The Elusive Game of Thrones CRPG
Warhorse Studios, known for its meticulous medieval simulations under the Kingdom Come banner, appeared to be a prime candidate to take on this ambitious project. However, the studio’s parent company, Embracer, has shifted its focus toward the clumsily named Middle-earth Enterprises, leaving Warhorse’s future intertwined with The Lord of the Rings franchise. Meanwhile, Obsidian, another powerhouse in the RPG domain, seems unlikely to venture into Westeros anytime soon, especially given Josh Sawyer’s vocal critiques of HBO’s battle formations on social media.
As we delve into the annals of gaming history, we find ourselves transported back to 2012, a year that birthed a largely forgotten entry in the Game of Thrones saga. This particular title, simply named Game of Thrones, struggled to carve out its identity, especially after Telltale Games released a game of the same name just two years later.
The 2012 iteration was crafted by Cyanide, a Parisian developer with a penchant for eurojanky projects steeped in fantasy. While the studio is now recognized for titles like Styx and Blood Bowl, it was during this period that they ventured into the realm of CRPGs. Alongside Game of Thrones, they released Confrontation, inspired by a French tabletop wargame, and Of Orcs and Men, a spinoff featuring a robust greenskin protagonist.
It’s evident that Cyanide’s staff had their noses buried deep in the novels.
Reflecting on the more recent Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, one cannot help but notice a stark departure from the essence of George R.R. Martin’s storytelling. The narratives set in Westeros should embody a sense of weight and complexity, mirroring the tectonic shifts of the world they inhabit. This is precisely where CRPGs excel, capturing the intricate and often tumultuous nature of the source material.
