PlaySide Studios targets RTS newcomers with Game of Thrones: War for Westeros
The premium PC strategy title aims to bridge the gap between a massive IP and a niche genre by 2027.
Australian developer PlaySide Studios is bringing the political intrigue of Westeros to the PC with 'Game of Thrones: War for Westeros.' The upcoming premium real-time strategy (RTS) title marks the first major game release for the franchise in over a decade, attempting to attract a broad audience to a traditionally complex genre.
Players will command four distinct factions: House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, and the Night King's Army of the Dead. To streamline the experience, the game utilizes a squad-based control system rather than requiring players to manage individual units. This design choice is part of a broader effort to make the game more approachable for fans of the series who may have no prior experience with the RTS genre.
A Blend of Digital and Tabletop Strategy
War for Westeros draws heavy inspiration from the golden era of RTS gaming, specifically citing 'The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth' and 'Age of Empires' as primary influences. However, the developers are looking beyond traditional digital strategy to add depth. The game incorporates asymmetric elements and win conditions inspired by the board game 'Root,' suggesting that victory may not always be achieved through simple military conquest alone.
Expanding the RTS Audience
By pairing a globally recognized intellectual property with simplified control schemes, PlaySide Studios is attempting to expand the RTS player base. The project seeks to maintain the strategic depth expected by veterans of the genre while removing the steep learning curves that often deter general gamers. This balance is critical for a title that aims to translate the complex political betrayals of the source material into a functional game loop.
The Road to 2027
While anticipation for the title is high, the road to the Iron Throne has hit a delay. The game is currently planned for release in 2027, having been pushed back from its original 2026 target. This extended development window provides the studio more time to refine the asymmetric mechanics and ensure the onboarding process is seamless for newcomers. Observers will be watching to see if the final product can successfully merge the viciousness of a board game with the scale of a classic RTS.