Netmarble's highly anticipated action RPG, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, is gearing up for its first playable demo at Steam Nextfest, available now through March 3rd. This marks the initial opportunity for fans to dive into this adaptation of George R. R. Martin's iconic book series, even as the author continues to leave the series' conclusion hanging. Set to release on mobile following its PC debut, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad follows the trend set by games like Once Human, prioritizing a PC launch first.
For those new to the event, Steam Nextfest is a major digital showcase where upcoming games from both large publishers and indie developers are presented through playable demos. This platform allows players to experience games like Game of Thrones: Kingsroad firsthand before their full release.
In the game, players step into the role of a newly-minted heir to House Tyre, navigating the complex world of Westeros. The reaction from fans has been mixed; while some express cautious optimism, others worry that the game may oversimplify the rich, gritty narrative that defines the Game of Thrones universe. Comparisons to games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance highlight the challenge of capturing the series' dark atmosphere in a video game format.
The decision to launch on PC first offers a silver lining. The PC gaming community is known for its vocal feedback, which can serve as a critical barometer for game quality. This approach could protect mobile gamers from potential disappointments, as any issues with Game of Thrones: Kingsroad are likely to be highlighted by the PC community during the demo phase.