HBO and George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones, has just completed its first season. Have to say, I loved every moment of it and it left me wanting more, which is amazing since I knew every twist and turn that was coming, having read the books multiple times over the past 10 years, starting way back in college in 2001. Seeing the show has made me ache for a really high quality game set in that world.
And we’re getting one, but it’s an RTS. Now, nothing against those, I like them. But enviously reading the reviews for The Witcher 2, which is based on a Polish fantasy series, got me to thinking about what genre would be ideal for making a game set in the world of Westeros. And it came to me, the answer being right there in front of me: an open-world RPG like Oblivion or Fallout 3.
Just picture it: you get to roam the entire land of Westeros, visiting Winterfell, doing quests for Ned Stark, such as hunting down wildlings or delivering supplies to the Wall. There, you take quests from Lord Commander Mormont, maybe even go beyond the Wall or track deserters. You can travel to King’s Landing, participate in tournaments, including jousting, join the many different factions and undertake countless quests from all the characters you know, love and hate.
What’s more, the plot of the books could occur over time, so events will change circumstances, allowing you to fight in massive battles and maybe even change history if they wanted to pursue that avenue. Regardless, your character could have his or her own story while the story of the books takes place around you as time passes. The point is, this would be an awesome way to play in this world. In fact, I think this genre would be the best for many licensed games of this kind. Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings…this genre works best with sci-fi fantasy worlds that are already established. It wouldn’t be ideal with something like Batman.
What say you? Did I just design a game that sounds awesome or lame? Winter is coming and hopefully, so are the comments, so let me hear you roar!
Im almost mad I read this, now I really want that game. Skyrim will have to make do, but I would kill to insert disc 2 and go do quests for the Dothraki, meeting Khal Drogo…dammit I need to play this game
Awesome. Where do I sign up?
The only downside is that if you’re not playing a part in the major events of the novels, then the whole experience could be kind of deus ex machina-ish.
It’s kind of like the problems that supposedly dragged “LOTR: The Third Age” down. I never played it (we need to get cracking on that one, Anthony!), but a lot of the reviews complained that although the game was kind of a side story that played out during the novels, it didn’t feel like your actions made any sort of difference on the outcome of the greater story and the major characters of the novels kept showing up to handle important events. It looks like they’re going to have another go at this concept with “LOTR: War in the North,” so we’ll see if they learned any narrative lessons.
The idea is great, though, and apparently the “Witcher” games have been able to do much the same thing without stomping all over the canon of the novels it’s based upon (at least as far as I’ve heard).
How much freedom would you allow players, though? Would they be able to kill characters from the books before they could carry out their intended roles? Would doing so set off a new chain of consequences that fundamentally alter the world or would it give you that “you just broke the game, you bloodthirsty psychopath” message like Morrowind did if you killed Vivec?
@Zayven,
I’m sure there are somethings you could do that could affect things, but I like the idea of the world moving around you, causing an effect on YOUR story.
And think of this: they could release DLC which would move the plot forward. The game would initially be about Game of Thrones and then a $40 DLC that comprises Clash of Kings and so on…
I really need to start reading those books. It sounds really good.
Me too Skuba, me too. I counted up the other day and I have a pile of 39 unread books waiting for me, including these ones… I need to be locked away till 2016 so I can finish them all.
Otherwise, that sounds amazing Anthony. I don’t understand why there aren’t more games like this. I guess most companies don’t have the resources of a Bethesda or a Rockstar to put behind this sort of project. Unfortunately.
As long as I can bitch slap Joffrey its a buy!! seriously I would pay $60 just for a bitch slap joffrey game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qYNeT2nzEgA#at=599
Ok,
I registered just to comment on this.
I’ve followed the Soosh’ for a couple years but this topic brings me to the floor!
In the name of all that is just and right, this game must be made! Holy good god, Oblivesteros would literally force me to find a way to remove myself from society altogether! No more late night cheeto runs! Like the ‘Never Ending Story’ we have to conserve our pieces flaming cheeze goodness for the rough times, because lets face it–Winter is coming.