By Sagar V. Mankar According to reports from Redanian Intelligence, Nexon, the developer behind successful games like The Finals, Warhaven, and Kartrider, is developing a new massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the world of Game of Thrones.
Rumored Game of Thrones MMORPG Details
While Nexon has yet to officially confirm the existence of the project, multiple details about the unannounced Game of Thrones game have supposedly been revealed:
Setting & Timeline
- The MMORPG will take place in the North region of Westeros, with key locations like Winterfell and The Wall expected to feature prominently.
- Story-wise, the game’s events are rumored to unfold during a timeline aligning with Seasons 4 and 5 of the hit HBO series.
Characters
- Prominent Game of Thrones characters anticipated to appear include Roose Bolton as the Warden of the North, as well as Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly serving at The Wall.
- However, the core protagonists are said to be newly created for the game.
- Players will have the choice between controlling a male or female lead character, with the non-selected hero still involved narratively akin to games like Mass Effect: Andromeda.
Gameplay
- Details are scarce, but the MMORPG will seemingly feature an online multiplayer experience with a central story campaign much like The Elder Scrolls Online.
- Gameplay loops typical of the genre, such as questing and adventuring as the protagonist, are expected.
Development Scope & Timeline
- While no official release date has been announced, seeing the project’s large scope means the Game of Thrones MMORPG could arrive as early as 2025 or as late as 2026, or even beyond.
Will the Original Cast Return?
- Fans of the HBO series may be disappointed to learn that the original cast is not currently slated to reprise their roles.
- Instead, the game will feature a new voice cast tasked with capturing the essence of the beloved characters.
Notable Past Game of Thrones Games
While the Game of Thrones TV series and books were a cultural phenomenon, the franchise has struggled to find similar success in the video game adaptations.
- Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms (2012) MMORPG was panned for its poor graphics and gameplay.
- Telltale Games’ narrative adventure series (2014) was received positively but canceled after one season.
- Various middling mobile games and strategy titles have struggled to find an audience.
Nexon’s MMORPG Opportunity with GOT
As a seasoned MMORPG developer behind games like MapleStory and The Finals, Nexon could leverage the Game of Thrones license to finally deliver a critically and commercially successful game worthy of the IP’s pedigree.
But to truly deliver a great GoT MMORPG experience, Nexon needs to focus on:
- A fully realized open world allowing for immense exploration
- Deep storytelling and quests that feel authentically Game of Thrones
- Intense player-versus-player combat akin to the show’s iconic battles
- Rewarding character progression and class customization
- Stellar graphics and production values fitting for a AAA license
Fantasy MMORPGs like The Lord of the Rings Online have shown the genre can work for major IPs when done right.
Perhaps Nexon’s ambitions will pay off and this rumored project will be the Game of Thrones gaming experience fans deserve.