The War for Westeros Developers Are Planning for a Flood of Game of Thrones Fans Who Have Never Played an RTS
PlaySide Studios is preparing War for Westeros, its upcoming real-time strategy game set in the Game of Thrones universe, for an expected influx of players unfamiliar with the RTS genre. While the game is designed for RTS enthusiasts seeking their next strategic challenge, the developers recognize that the massive popularity of the Game of Thrones franchise will attract many casual players who have never experienced real-time strategy gameplay.
The Game of Thrones IP remains a cultural phenomenon years after the conclusion of the original HBO series, sustained by successful spinoff shows including House of the Dragon and the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. This sustained fan interest means War for Westeros will likely draw players from two distinct audiences: dedicated RTS fans hungry for complex strategy gameplay, and Game of Thrones fans eager to experience Westeros in interactive form.
This presents a unique challenge for PlaySide, as real-time strategy games are notoriously complex and difficult for newcomers to master. The genre’s steep learning curve—requiring simultaneous management of resources, base building, army command, and tactical decision-making—has historically limited accessibility for mainstream audiences. The developers appear committed to bridging this gap, acknowledging the need to accommodate both hardcore strategy enthusiasts and casual Game of Thrones fans to maximize the game’s potential reach.