The developers of the new Game of Thrones: the Game, aka VideoGame of Thrones, have released a new development diary detailing their work on the RPG. Cyanide Studios had begun the development on the game is before the HBO series began.
The game is being spun as an original interpretation of the book series although the author of the series, George R.R. Martin did not write the script or the dialogue. Although Martin did collaborate with Cyanide to ensure that nothing in game would conflict with anything that the story has coming.
The plot of the game will run parallel to the first book. However, instead of simply recreating the entire storyline, they cheater two new playable characters: Mors Westford, a ranger of the Night’s Watch, and Alester Sarwyck, a red priest. Mors has the ability to control his pet dog using telepathy and Alester will have magical fire powers. Players will switch off between the characters through out the campaign that could last anywhere between 25 hours to 40 hours to complete. Players will also have to make tons of moral choices along the way.
You can watch the development diary below:
Note: the video is for mature audiences only as is the video game.
Game of Thrones had a game under development before the HBO show came around. However, it seems that a late deal was reached to incorporate some familiar faces and voices into the video game from the television series. So from how things stand now, there will be a mixture of game development that combines the vision of Cyanide Studios; the game developer; ATLUS; the game publisher; and HBO’s vision; the television show adaptation.
The original story for the game was written under the supervision of George R. R. Martin, author of the Game of Thrones book series. The game promises to deliver an interactive role-playing experience for avid fans. Gamers will visit Martin’s world of Westeros, containing within its own plane familiar locations and characters straight from the book. Fans of the intellectual property who can’t get enough just simply reading or watching the story will have a chance to take an active role, immersing themselves in the drama as it unfolds.
But wait, there’s more! Those that pre order the upcoming Game of Thrones RPG will also receive a hardbound art book, Game of Thrones: Visuals from the RPG. This offer is only available from participating retailers while limited supplies last. So those with impulse buying issues or want to have the extra swag, pre-order your game from from Amazon, GameStop, EB Games, or the HBO Shop.
The bonus art book offers sixty-four full color pages that include sketches, concept art, photos, screenshots and renders from the game, complete with DVD Commentary like text from the game’s developers. The package will also include behind the scenes materials, like a special message from Martin; possibly telling us to drink more Ovaltine; and a portrait of the development team. That’s what I’m missing from my life, more portraits of development teams. The bonus book measures at 8.5″ wide and 11″ tall, hardbound and printed on the most premium of stock papers. You know, the hard glossy kind that resists fingerprints and could kill children with paper cuts.
With the collector’s edition quality here in the bonus book, some may just want to get their hands on the art rather than the game. If they do, they’ll have to shell out $60.00 for it like everyone else. Though I’m sure that if you wait long enough online, you’ll be able to find the book being resold somewhere; to offset the cost of games and all. Yes, people will do it. I remember buying the Vampire: The Masquerade video game just for a hardcover Book of Nod. I ended up just giving a friend of mine the game.
In an official press release, The Game of Thrones: The Game, has been described as follows:
“In this 30-plus hour action RPG, players will enter the gritty and medieval fantasy world of Westeros. As one of two original characters with disparate motivations, both former soldiers of Robert’s Rebellion, players will forge alliances and wage battles as they play a pivotal role in the ongoing war for power of the Seven Kingdoms. Their journey will span numerous quests, during which they will interact with many characters and make key decisions that impact the realm.
Standing before the majesty and bitter isolation of the Wall or walking through the streets and alleys of King’s Landing, players will not simply pass by locations and characters integral to the series; they will explore and interact with them, meeting and learning about the people and history that defines them and their importance. Key decisions and major events will have meaningful impact on Westeros, allowing the player to witness how the game world evolves over time based on their actions or inactions. Moreover, “Game of Thrones” introduces an innovative “active slowdown tactical combat engine” in which combat mirrors the series’ thoughtful approach to war and politics: fighting slows but never stops entirely, forcing the player to make quick, pressured choices before their enemy strikes again.”
Isn’t the slowdown tactical combat engine basically Matrix bullet time? I’m pretty sure they did that in the Max Payne video games and Prince of Persia. Either way, it remains to be seen whether or not the game lives up to the acclaim that Martin and HBO have brought to the franchise.
