Latest news with #PlaySideStudios
CNET
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
War for Westeros, Coming in 2026, Will Let Fans Make Their Own Game of Thrones Ending
For a moment in time, fantasy fans were split between whether Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies or HBO's Game of Thrones prestige TV show was the best adaptation of a classic book series. But the Oliphaunt in the room is that the last seasons of the latter plummeted so far in quality that it soured opinions on the show as a whole, especially with its divisive ending. But an upcoming GoT video game adaptation due out in 2026 will give players a chance to set the record straight and make their own new ending to the saga of noble houses, loyalty, betrayal and dragons. Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, from Australian developer and publisher PlaySide Studios, is a real-time strategy game for PC in which players take on their faction of choice and veer away from the storyline of the books and TV show. Back in June at Summer Game Fest, I descended the stairs below the media lounge into a dimly lit interview spot (the most fantasy dungeon-adjacent spot at the event) to chat with Ryan McMahon, the game's director. McMahon explained PlaySide's vision for the game alongside his own deep affection for the Song of Ice and Fire books and Game of Thrones TV show. In the latter years of the show, he'd hold watch parties with other PlaySide developers to see the latest episodes the night they aired. PlaySide's history of RTS games, like its own property Age of Darkness: Final Stand, and work on Warcraft 3: Reforged and Civilization 7 VR, made the strategy genre seem appropriate for its adaptation of the franchise. "Game of Thrones really felt like a natural fit for that because it's a show about mass conquest and fighting for territory and leading these armies, as well as the political layers within it," McMahon said. "There's a lot of complexity to it that really can shine in a strategy genre." That includes representing the warring factions in Game of Thrones as different forces in War for Westeros, each with their own distinct units and strategies. The game will have four playable factions at launch: House Stark with all its minor houses representing the North of the continent of Westeros; House Lannister representing those in the southern half; House Targaryen with the forces she's collected in the Free Cities, along with her dragons; and finally the Night King with his army of the dead and White Walkers. While War for Westeros primarily references the Game of Thrones world built in the TV show, PlaySide used lore from the books to fill in the gaps, including among the minor houses and the forces of the Night King, McMahon explained. PlaySide didn't consult directly with series creator George R.R. Martin, but the studio has consulted the author's team through rights holder Warner Bros. during development when exploring new territory, McMahon said, "especially when it comes to the White Walkers." And while War for Westeros focuses on strategy gameplay over character building and world lore, there are still nods to the source material. "We definitely are trying to sprinkle as many little Easter eggs and lore mentions where we can to really bring that flavor," McMahon said. "If you're a book reader, there will definitely be stuff for you." Playside Games A clash of player-kings PlaySide is designing War for Westeros' four factions to be balanced but distinct. In the game, cavalry, siege engines, giants and dragons are among the units unique to each faction, though McMahon declined to elaborate further about how each force will differ from the other, saying PlaySide would share additional details when it was ready to reveal more gameplay. But even the reveal trailer unveiled during SGF hints at the mechanics and asymmetric units fielded by each faction. The accompanying developer diary showed prealpha gameplay footage that includes columns of foot soldiers arranged to march into battle -- some of which were completely incinerated by a massive dragon belching flames. Though the armies will each have their different units, mechanics, heroes and play styles, PlaySide is striving to keep them balanced against each other -- and most importantly, make each side interesting to play. "We want to make dragons feel powerful, but we want to make sure that the Lannisters, the Starks and the White Walkers all have something that feels like a powerful equivalent that can potentially contest the dragons in some way," McMahon said. The developer diary also touches on the political aspect of War for Westeros, though this is less like the systems-heavy diplomacy of strategy games like Civilization 7 and more like the jockeying that happens whenever multiple players are gunning for the win in a tabletop game like Risk or Settlers of Catan. Each playthrough of War for Westeros only ends when one player sits the Iron Throne, so McMahon expects them to naturally form and break alliances at strategic moments -- just like in Game of Thrones. "If I know this person over here [controlling] House Stark is pushing in on the Lannisters, and I'm playing as the Targaryens, that could be my opportunity to push in if they're ahead," McMahon said. Single-player mode will have its own specific layers of political interaction, he added, but the game design's focus is on how players pit themselves against each other. There will be a game mode where players can set custom modifiers to vary their playthrough and set their own rules. The geography has its own conditions: In the developer diary, there's footage of an overworld map of Westeros featuring famous locations like Winterfell and King's Landing. Players won't be fighting within the iconic castles of the show, but they will clash against enemy armies in handcrafted maps tailored to the various biomes of the continent. Playside Games A storm of strategy swords PlaySide has leaned on its previous strategy experience, making its own RTS, Age of Darkness, and strategy games from other IPs to ensure War for Westeros has a satisfying core gameplay loop. With all that experience, the studio can incorporate layers of complexity while also making it approachable, McMahon said. Given Game of Thrones' popularity, the game is probably going to be a lot of players' first RTS (or first in a very long time). As a game in development, things can always change before War for Westeros comes out in 2026, and McMahon couldn't say a lot about the game. But I had to ask: What's the faction McMahon himself likes playing most right now? While his favorite character from the books is Tyrion Lannister, and he really enjoys how the Targaryen hero Daenerys functions, and the faction's dragons, his sympathies lie with the undead Night King and his White Walkers. "I'm naturally a very aggressive player in video games, wanting to push forward, take territory, put a lot of pressure on my opponent," McMahon said. "The White Walkers, as they stand right now, lean heavily into that type of play." Much of our conversation centered around the state of the game at launch, with the implication that more could be coming later, though that all depends on how the game is received. Still, McMahon emphasized that the team has a lot of ideas. "Actually, there's so much you can do with the world of the Song of Ice and Fire -- outside of Westeros, within Westeros -- that we can tap into," McMahon said. "But right now, our focus is on the launch itself. And then, [if] things go well there, there's a lot we'd love to do."
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New ‘Game of Thrones' PC Strategy Game ‘War for Westeros' to Launch in 2026
A new video game set during the events of HBO's 'Game of Thrones' is set to launch in 2026 from PlaySide Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive. The licensed game, which was announced Friday out of Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles, marks one of the first big moves Warner Bros. Discovery has made in the gaming space with one of its IPs since former Warner Bros. games chief David Haddad exited earlier this year. More from Variety 'House of the Dragon' Star Milly Alcock Says Someone 'Very High Up' Told Her She Needed an Acting Coach During Her 'Second Day' on Set: 'This Is Terrible' 'Game of Thrones' Spinoff 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Shifts to 2026 Release Day of the Devs Producers Tease Summer Game Fest Plans and How They're Evolving Biz iam8bit After 20 Years Titled 'Game of Thrones: War for Westeros,' the project is a PC real-time strategy game that will also be 'drawing inspiration' directly from George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' novels, the source material for HBO's 'Game of Thrones.' Per the game's description, 'In 'War for Westeros,' players will lead the armies of House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Night King in ruthless free-for-all battles where trust is fleeting and power is everything. Engaging in epic real-time strategy battles, forging strategic alliances, and weaving deceit against rival forces will be key. Each faction offers deeply asymmetric strategies, with signature heroes, armies, and mechanics forged from the brutal legacy of Westeros. Players can deploy infantry, cavalry, siege engines, giants, and dragons to break enemy lines as they work to outplay and outmaneuver rivals with inspiring hero abilities and the ruthless instincts of a true war commander.' 'From the Wall to King's Landing, players can jump into skirmish matches or take on a longer war across the Seven Kingdoms both solo and with others, where every decision matters and every battle carries forward,' according to the synopsis. 'Whether playing solo or with friends, 'Game of Thrones: War for Westeros' will give fans the chance to re-envision the most iconic battles and turning points from the 'Game of Thrones' series, manipulating the politics of the realm to rally powerful bannermen, sway loyalties, and outmaneuver enemies in a shifting struggle for power.' 'War for Westeros' is a significant departure from what Warner Bros. Interactive has done so far with its 'Game of Thrones' IP (among its most valuable assets alongside the Harry Potter, DC Universe and Mortal Kombat franchises) which has primarily been licensed out for mobile-only titles. ''Game of Thrones: War for Westeros' takes fans back to the Seven Kingdoms. This time, you're not watching the 'Game of Thrones' – you're playing it,' PlaySide Studios game director Ryan McMahon said. 'War for Westeros puts you in the seat of power, whether you're leading the Starks, Targaryens, or Lannisters, or even commanding the Night King and his army of the dead, you'll wield real power and rewrite the fate of the realm.' Watch the trailer for 'Game of Thrones: The War for Westeros' below. Best of Variety 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?'
Khaleej Times
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Game of Thrones: War for Westeros' revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025
Despite its divisive final season, Game of Thrones continues to command an almost mythical hold over pop culture. Now, the fantasy juggernaut is returning to digital battlegrounds with a brand-new video game, Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, officially unveiled at Summer Game Fest 2025. Slated for a 2026 release, the game marks a bold new step for the franchise—this time, into the realm of real-time strategy. Developed and published by PlaySide Studios, War for Westeros was introduced with a chilling cinematic trailer that instantly set the tone. Fans were treated to a dramatic showdown between Jon Snow and the Night King, culminating in the undead commander not only defeating Jon, but resurrecting him as a wight. It's a grim twist that echoes the show's most memorable betrayals—and one that promises moral ambiguity and high stakes throughout the game. But there's a catch—or two. War for Westeros is not the open-world action-RPG many fans had long hoped for. Instead, it embraces the real-time strategy (RTS) format, which, while niche, aligns surprisingly well with the political machinations and large-scale warfare that defined the original series. For fans of strategy games, this could be a dream come true. For others, especially those more accustomed to narrative-driven RPGs or console-based experiences, it might feel like a missed opportunity. That sense is compounded by the fact that War for Westeros is currently only confirmed for PC, leaving console players out in the cold—at least for now. At launch, players will have the option to lead one of several major factions, including House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, and the Night King's undead army. The goal? Conquer the Seven Kingdoms through tactical mastery, cunning alliances, and brute force. Both single-player and free-for-all PvP multiplayer modes are planned. In solo campaigns, iconic characters from the series will make appearances, helping anchor the RTS mechanics in familiar emotional beats. Multiplayer, on the other hand, promises chaotic power struggles between rival players, each commanding massive armies and vying for dominion over Westeros. Expect robust unit variety—infantry, cavalry, siege engines, dragons, and even giants will all have their place on the battlefield. Strategic depth will come from how players deploy these forces, form alliances, and choose their battlegrounds, from The Wall to King's Landing and beyond.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
War for Westeros: Will Jon Snow join Night King's army? Game of Thrones strategy game's release window, platform, features and trailer
A new video game based on the world of Game of Thrones is in development. Titled Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, the game is set for a 2026 release. PlaySide Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive are creating the title, which was announced during Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles. Platform The game will be released for PC. It is a real-time strategy game where players control major houses or the Night King. They can join battles that include infantry, cavalry, siege weapons, giants and dragons. The game also lets players use heroes with unique skills tied to their faction. Also Read: Nobody Wants This Season 2: What to expect in upcoming season? See cast and release date by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Game Features Players can choose between House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen or the Night King. Each group will have a different strategy and set of features. The game allows both solo and multiplayer options. Players will take part in skirmishes or larger campaigns set across locations like the Wall and King's Landing. Inspired by Books and HBO Series The game draws from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books, as well as HBO's Game of Thrones series. Players will recreate battles and story points from the show. They can make political decisions, win alliances, or betray rivals to gain power. Live Events Also Read: Tony Awards 2025: How to watch red carpet, preshow and main ceremony? Here's date, time, where to watch, nominees, special awards, performances and presenters War for Westeros War for Westeros marks a new approach for Warner Bros. Interactive. Most earlier Game of Thrones games were made for mobile platforms. This game brings the franchise to PC with a full-scale strategy experience. It also shows Warner Bros.' plans to focus more on its big franchises through video games. Trailer Here is the trailer. FAQs What platforms will War for Westeros be released on? The game will be released only on PC and will not be available on mobile or consoles at launch. Can players control different houses in multiplayer mode? Yes, players can select different houses or the Night King and battle each other in online multiplayer matches.
Economic Times
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Game of Thrones: War for Westeros announced, arrives in 2026
Command the Great Houses or the Night King Gameplay: Strategy, alliances, and betrayal Live Events Hype and Release (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A new era of Westerosi warfare is on the horizon: PlaySide Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive have officially announced Game of Thrones: War for Westeros , a real-time strategy (RTS) game set for release on PC in 2026. This marks Warner Bros. Discovery's most ambitious video game project with the Game of Thrones IP since shifting focus from mobile to premium PC titles, and it's already generating major buzz among fans and strategy gamers for Westeros immerses players in the brutal, intrigue-filled world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels and HBO's acclaimed series. Players can lead legendary factions - House Stark, House Lannister , House Targaryen, or even the Night King's undead army - each featuring asymmetric strategies, unique heroes, and signature game promises massive battles with infantry, cavalry, siege weapons, giants, and dragons, all rendered in classic RTS game's design emphasizes not just military might but also the political cunning that defines Westeros. Players will forge and break alliances, manipulate loyalties, and outwit rivals in both solo campaigns and multiplayer modes. According to PlaySide Studios' game director Ryan McMahon , 'War for Westeros places you in a position of authority, whether you are directing Starks, Targaryens, Lannisters, or even leading the Night King and his undead harness genuine power and alter the destiny of the realm'.The RTS will allow players to rewrite iconic battles and pivotal moments from the series, offering alternate outcomes and the chance to 'kill Jon Snow again to your heart's content,' as highlighted in the game's cinematic previous mobile-centric Game of Thrones adaptations, War for Westeros is a premium PC title, available via Steam. The game promises deep, replayable strategy with both single-player campaigns and free-for-all multiplayer skirmishes across the Seven during Summer Game Fest 2025, the announcement was accompanied by a cinematic trailer narrated by Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister), setting the stage for a game that aims to capture the grand scale and ruthless politics of the source can wishlist the game now on Steam, with its full release slated for Game of Thrones: War for Westeros , players will finally have the chance to decide the fate of the Iron Throne themselves - through strategy, betrayal, and fire-breathing dragons.
