Mario Bautista
The expansive universe of Game of Thrones needs no introduction.
The brainchild of George R.R. Martin has been countlessly adapted by creators for TV shows, spinoffs and video games, nurturing captivating stories about strong characters, intense battles and an ever-evolving political landscape.
Whether you’re a fan of grand strategy, role-playing adventures or fast-paced combat, there’s a Game of Thrones game that will satisfy your cravings. While you are likely to find most of them belonging to the strategy genre, some studios have tried their hands at creating action RPGs that derive their plot from the HBO TV show.
We have already seen several adaptations of the series in video games for Android. Now, it is time to look at all the Game of Thrones games on PC – a platform that allows greater freedom for creators to shape their take on Martin’s medieval fantasy world and create compelling stories to tell using interactive media.
If you are eager to quench your thirst for dragon-based fantasies, join us as we explore some of the top Game of Thrones games you can experience on PC. We will try to dive into gameplay mechanics, storylines and how they were received by the critics as well as players.
Best ‘Game of Thrones’ games you can play on your PC
Game of Thrones
Released in: 2012
Genre: RPG
Back in 2012, the second season of Game of Thrones aired online and within weeks, Cyanide Studios revealed its RPG game with the same title. Game of Thrones seemed ambitious in imparting an immersive experience to its players with a third-person perspective, similar to the Witcher franchise.
The plot, which was set during the first season of the TV show, includes two protagonists – knight Alester Sarwyck and Night’s Watch ranger Mors Westford – who got a lot of praise from critics and players alike. However, it was the buggy gameplay and wonky mechanics that kept this franchise from becoming something bigger.
Nonetheless, Game of Thrones is available to download on Steam at reasonable prices and can be played on most modern PCs with integrated/discrete entry-level graphics cards.
Game of Thrones Winter is Coming
Released in: 2019
Genre: Strategy
This is the official video game made under license from the creators at HBO. Game of Thrones Winter Is Coming (that’s quite a mouthful) is a strategy video game for fans on the PC platform. You take on the role of an ambitious Westeros lord determined to save people who the war has plagued. Using strategy, your role is to stop the endless disputes between the seven kingdoms using all the resources available.
Since this is a licensed product from Warner Bros, you get to encounter the original TV show characters rendered digitally in impeccable detail. You have to foster an army by selecting your commanders, choosing a battle formation and using their unique abilities to complete the missions. The ultimate goal is to sit and rule the Iron Throne while expanding your kingdom.
Game of Thrones Winter is Coming is free for PC users to download and play.
A Game of Thrones – Genesis
Released in: 2011
Genre: Strategy
Prior to 2012’s Game of Thrones, Cyanide Studios released A Game of Thrones – Genesis as part of a tie-up with the creators to promote the TV show after the first season aired. Unlike the 2012 venture, this one is a strategy game set over a thousand years before the events of the Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Consider it a prequel to all the TV shows that this franchise has had over the years.
Using masterful strategy, your goal is to manage your army and plan your attacks to capture all castles. Once you earn enough prestige, you win the Iron Throne and work hard to maintain your hold over it.
A Game of Thrones – Genesis is currently available for players to buy on Steam.
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game – Digital Edition
Released in: 2020
Genre: Strategy, Board game
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game – Digital Edition is another strategy-based video game in the Game of Thrones universe. Completely unrelated to the HBO TV show, this essentially ports the classic board game into a digital format.
Despite the bugs in the early version, this game is highly praised by players for its new mechanics and engaging gameplay. Since it doesn’t have anything to do with the narrative of the TV show, it makes for a good starting point for new players who want to get into the Game of Thrones franchise.
Currently, the game is available on Steam for PC gamers to download.
Honourable mention
Game of Thrones – A Telltale Games Series
Released in: 2014
Genre: Episodic Adventure
Game of Thrones – A Telltale Games Series is probably one of the best video games for fans of the franchise. Coming from Telltale Games, the game focuses on a storyline that picks up from Game of Thrones season 3’s Red Wedding chapter and runs parallel to the TV show aired on HBO.
Other than meeting familiar faces like Tyrion, Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow and Margaery Tyrell, the Telltale version also introduces new characters in the same world.
Being a Telltale production, players are mostly tasked with making certain crucial decisions in the story. The graphics, although pre-rendered, seem most relatable to the TV show in reality.
Sadly, the game has been unavailable to download or play since the old Telltale studio shut down. However, with the resurgence of a new Telltale team, some of their older projects are back and we expect this Game of Thrones game to make a comeback to the digital stores.
(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Telltale Games)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
