Game of Thrones Has a Gaming Vacuum That It Refuses to Fill

The Game of Thrones franchise is no stranger to multimedia adaptations. From board games to mobile apps, the world of Westeros has been reshaped into several different formats since the HBO show first aired. But more than a decade later, there’s still no major single-player RPG set in the world that brought viewers the Starks, Lannisters, and White Walkers.

While mobile entries like Game of Thrones: Conquest have seen some success, they fail to capture the emotional complexity, branching loyalties, and high-stakes decision-making that define Westeros. Even the newly announced Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, a real-time strategy game slated for PC in 2026, shows the franchise inching in the right direction, but not far enough to satisfy console RPG fans.

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By Dalton Cooper

Game of Thrones Needs a Console RPG Now

The current console market is primed for a Game of Thrones RPG. Following the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, interest in narrative-driven Western RPGs is at a high point. Players are seeking story-heavy experiences that reward strategic planning, character growth, and impactful choices. Westeros, with its sprawling kingdoms, political maneuvering, and moral gray areas, would be a natural fit.

This gap becomes even more noticeable when comparing it to the struggles of other fantasy franchises. Dragon Age: The Veilguard launched in late 2024 but fell short of EA’s expectations. Despite offering a revamped party system and faster-paced combat, the game reached only 1.5 million players, far less than the projected 3 million. As a result, EA reassigned key BioWare staff or laid them off entirely. The studio’s shift toward developing the next Mass Effect has left many Dragon Age fans feeling abandoned.

BioWare’s shift toward sci-fi comes at a time when high-fantasy fans are still actively looking for new worlds to explore, especially on console.

A well-crafted Game of Thrones RPG could fill the vacuum left by Dragon Age and satisfy players hungry for a dense, morally challenging setting. The choice-driven narrative structure seen in games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or GreedFall shows that fans are eager for adult fantasy stories where decisions can shape entire nations. Westeros is already built for that.

Mobile Game Efforts Don’t Go Far Enough

Despite the popularity of Game of Thrones: Conquest and Game of Thrones: Beyond the Wall, these titles largely operate within mobile strategy and gacha frameworks. Their storytelling is minimal, and their monetization often undermines the stakes that the books and show are known for. Players are often prompted to grind or pay, rather than engage with deep lore or complex characters.

Even the Game of Thrones: Legends mobile game follows a similar model. While mobile platforms can serve as a good testing ground for mechanics and lore interest, they aren’t enough to explore the larger thematic concerns of the series: legacy, betrayal, sacrifice, and ambition.

HBO previously worked with Telltale Games on a narrative adventure set in Westeros, but it was limited in scope and lacked lasting influence like a big RPG would.

A full console release could push far beyond mobile’s limitations. Imagine choosing between playing as a member of House Stark or House Martell, each with distinct skill trees, allies, and enemies. Romance, political alliances, and betrayals could all become part of the core gameplay loop. The potential for a morally complex RPG is enormous, and the groundwork has already been laid by the existing lore.

War for Westeros Is Not What Some Fans Asked For

The newly announced Game of Thrones: War for Westeros shows that HBO is interested in expanding the franchise’s gaming footprint, but it’s still not committing to what players have been asking for. This real-time strategy game lets players control Great Houses or even the Night King in tactical warfare across the Seven Kingdoms. While the concept is exciting for fans of large-scale battles, it still keeps the experience focused on systems, not stories.

PvP features and tactical campaigns can bring variety, but they won’t provide the personal connection that comes with shaping a single character’s destiny. Players want to explore King’s Landing, travel the Kingsroad, and make decisions that shift the balance of power, not just direct troops on a map. With Baldur’s Gate 3 setting new standards for narrative integration, HBO’s gaming strategy looks cautious in comparison. There’s still time, however. If War for Westeros performs well on PC in 2026, it could be the first step toward more ambitious console titles. Hopefully, HBO will treat it as a gateway to something bigger rather than the final word on Westeros in gaming.

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