Playside Studios' upcoming real-time strategy game, Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, will feature a monster that has only been mentioned in the series' lore and never visually depicted. The game aims to bring a new level of terror to players by including creatures previously confined to Old Nan's tales.
According to game director Ryan McMahon, the White Walker faction in War for Westeros will include spiders as part of their army. These creatures were referenced by Old Nan in the first season of the HBO series but never appeared on screen. This addition draws from the source material to expand upon the game's already terrifying roster.
The studio, inspired by its previous title Age of Darkness: Final Stand, has delved deep into the Game of Thrones universe, drawing from both the books and the television series. While the show's canon takes precedence in cases of divergence, the game also aims to provide players with the agency to alter the Seven Kingdoms' fate.
"It’s a sandbox, player-led campaign where you start with a territory that you are in on a map of Westeros that you have to go out and conquer, as well as some other objectives on the political side of things with high-stakes alliances and betrayals that determine which factions and which hero from that faction sits on the Iron Throne in the end,” McMahon explained.
Gameplay involves claiming territory to gather resources and build armies. The game emphasizes strategic expansion, with borders playing a significant role in progression. Players will need to manage their economy and production before venturing out to conquer new lands, mirroring the political squabbles depicted in the series.
War for Westeros diverges from strict timelines to allow for unique hero combinations and rivalries not seen in the show. Heroes are categorized as warriors, commanders, and support, allowing for diverse strategic approaches. For instance, characters like The Mountain could lead the front lines while Tywin Lannister commands from afar, and Arya Stark could act as a stealthy assassin. The White Walkers, despite their powerful units like giants and ice spiders, will have fewer heroes compared to factions like the Starks, who can recruit their direwolves to fight alongside Robb Stark and Jon Snow.
Inspired by RTS classics such as StarCraft and Age of Empires, PlaySide Studios is prioritizing a "fun-first philosophy" akin to games like Super Smash Bros. and Marvel Rivals, rather than strict competitive balance. This approach allows for powerful elements like dragons, wildfire, and mammoths, ensuring an exciting and visually engaging experience.
Game of Thrones: War for Westeros is slated for release in early 2027.