Rise of the Seven Kingdoms: A Legendary RTS Experience

by John Garrett
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The drama series ‘Game of Thrones’, based on George R. R. Martin’s fantasy novel series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’, became globally popular for its depiction of war, politics, and betrayal among the various houses vying for the Iron Throne in the continent of Westeros. Known for its unpredictable plot twists and the possibility of major character deaths, the series captivated audiences worldwide.

‘Game of Thrones: War for Westeros’ is a new real-time strategy game that brings this world to life. Players can command House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, and the Army of the Dead to gather forces, conquer territory, and strive for dominance over the Iron Throne. Instead of following specific events from the show, the game allows players to create their own version of Westeros by bringing characters and forces from different timelines together.

During Gamescom 2026, attendees had the opportunity to dive deeper into ‘War for Westeros’ in a private interview room at the Australia Pavilion. Game Director Ryan McMahon from PlaySide Studios personally introduced the game, highlighting its core structure, factions, and gameplay mechanics.


Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

Game Director Ryan McMahon holding the Valyrian steel longsword ‘Longclaw’ ©PlaySide

War for the Iron Throne: ‘Game of Thrones’ as a Classic RTS

‘Game of Thrones: War for Westeros’ is a traditional real-time strategy game where players build armies, conquer lands, and battle for control of the Iron Throne. The game features four playable factions at launch: House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, and the Army of the Dead.

The developers aimed to recreate the epic battles and iconic moments from the show in RTS form, allowing players to craft their own narrative in the world of Westeros. Choices made in the game can alter the course of history, offering a unique gameplay experience for fans of ‘Game of Thrones’.


Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

The game starts at a grand strategy scale ©PlaySide

In addition to capturing the essence of ‘Game of Thrones’, the developers focused on creating a deep and engaging RTS experience that appeals to both existing RTS players and fans of the series.


Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

And the return of the Mother of Dragons ©PlaySide

Translating Each House’s Identity into RTS Mechanics

The factions in the game are designed with unique playstyles that reflect their characteristics from the original series. For example, House Lannister’s gameplay revolves around themes of wealth and power, with mechanics that emphasize resource management and strategic decision-making.


Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

House Lannister utilizes vast wealth and Wildfire ©PlaySide

By incorporating the distinct traits of each faction into the gameplay mechanics, ‘War for Westeros’ aims to provide a rich and immersive experience that resonates with fans of the series.


Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

By comparison, House Stark appears somewhat rugged ©PlaySide

Arya Stark Steals Faces, ‘The Mountain’ Tramples the Battlefield

Notable characters like Arya Stark and Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane make appearances in the game as hero units, each with unique abilities and roles on the battlefield.

Whether commanding House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Army of the Dead, players can immerse themselves in the world of Westeros and rewrite its history in ‘Game of Thrones: War for Westeros’.

She is an expert at taking down enemy heroes by stealing their faces, transforming into them, and using their abilities for a set period of time. However, we believe that the ‘Game of Thrones’ IP presents a unique opportunity to breathe new life into the genre. The rich lore, complex political landscape, and intense battles of the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe are a perfect fit for a real-time strategy game.

By combining the strategic depth of traditional RTS gameplay with the iconic characters and settings of ‘Game of Thrones’, we aim to create an experience that appeals to both fans of the genre and fans of the series. The ability to rewrite the history of Westeros, make difficult choices, and experience the consequences of your actions adds a layer of depth and immersion that is unparalleled.

Ultimately, we hope that ‘War for Westeros’ can reignite interest in the RTS genre and provide fans with a truly epic and immersive gaming experience set in the world of ‘Game of Thrones’.

Creating an RTS game is a challenging task due to the diverse expectations players have for this genre. Games like ‘Age of Empires’ and ‘StarCraft’ have excelled in delivering both single-player and multiplayer experiences, drawing inspiration from the beloved elements of classic RTS games.

However, in order for the RTS genre to attract new players and re-engage those who have been away for some time, a recognizable and captivating intellectual property is essential. In this case, ‘Game of Thrones’ serves as the perfect IP for our game, ‘War for Westeros’.

We believe that ‘War for Westeros’ can act as a bridge for ‘Game of Thrones’ fans to enter the world of RTS gaming, while also providing enough depth and familiarity for seasoned RTS players to enjoy the game. Our goal is to create an experience that appeals to both types of players and allows them to come together in the game.

왕좌의 게임: 웨스테로스 전쟁 Game of Thrones: War for Westeros
©PlaySide

This article was originally written in Korean and translated with the help of AI. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
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