Winter is Coming...sometime in early 2012

by: Nathaniel - posted: 11/9/2011 1:58:00 PM

Regular readers might be aware of the fact that I tend to wear my allegiances on my sleeve because, even though I write about games for the Internet, I'm still a regular old gamer in my heart just like you.  Having said that, I'm very happy to report that Atlus and Cyanide Studios are set to bring the world from A Song of Ice and Fire to the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 early next year.  The game, titled Game of Thrones, the same as its HBO series counterpart, will feature an original story written under the watchful eye of series creator George R. R. Martin and will be filled with familiar locations and beloved characters (some sporting likenesses from the HBO series).  The 30+ hour saga will follow two former soldiers, veterans of Robert's Rebellion, as they navigate the labyrinthine Westerosi "sport" affectionately known as the game of thrones played by high lords, ladies, and schemers all across the Seven Kingdoms.  Players will be transported to such well-known locations as King's Landing, where Aegon the Conqueror first landed 300 years previously, and the Wall, the 700 foot tall spell-woven barrier of ice that separates the frozen north from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms where the Night's Watch valiantly protects the realm from Free Folk, derisively called wildlings, White Walkers, and their undead thralls known as wights.  Players won't just visit these locations or talk to these well-known characters either;  they'll explore the locations, interact with characters, and learn about the history and background of both as well.  Gameplay-wise Game of Thrones will introduce an innovative "active slowdown tactical combat engine" where fighting slows, but never stops - much like the series' approach to war and politics.  It will force the player to remain on their toes and make high-pressure decisions before the enemy strikes again.

I can't wait to see if it lives up to the source material or is simply another shameless cash in.  I really hope it's the former.  To learn more about Game of Thrones, visit gameofthrones-thegame.com or follow the jump.  

ATLUS, IN COLLABORATION WITH HBO® AND CYANIDE STUDIOS, TO PUBLISH "GAME OF THRONES," AN ACTION RPG BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING SERIES OF BOOKS AND HIT TV SHOW, FOR XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 3, AND PC IN EARLY 2012

Explore and interact with characters and locations from the worldwide fantasy phenomenon!

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 9, 2011 - ATLUS (Index Digital Media, Inc), in collaboration with HBO and Cyanide Studios, today unveiled North American publishing plans for "Game of Thrones™," an action RPG based on the internationally bestselling A Song of Ice and Fire series of books by George R. R. Martin and critically acclaimed HBO television series, Game of Thrones. Launching worldwide in early 2012, the game will be available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC. With an original story written under the supervision of Martin, "Game of Thrones" promises to deliver the ultimate interactive role-playing experience for fans. The game is filled with familiar locations straight from the pages of the beloved fantasy saga along with the likeness of some actors portrayed in the series.

With over 15 million books sold worldwide and a hit television adaptation that was the winner of two primetime Emmy® awards, the A Song of Ice and Fire series is one of the most popular fantasy franchises of all time. Now, with the announcement of an epic new "Game of Thrones" video game, fans will have a chance to not simply read or watch the series, but to take an active role in the new riveting drama as it unfolds.

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.

"The Game of Thrones television series and the A Song of Ice and Fire book series it is based on represent some of the most captivating, original medieval fantasy and drama ever created," commented Shinichi Suzuki, President and CEO of Index Digital Media, Inc. "Its amalgam of bitterly antagonistic rival houses, deeply nuanced characters, intricate political machinations, and breathtaking fantasy--all set within a richly storied world--offers unparalleled realism and raw emotion. We are honored to work with HBO, Cyanide Studios, and the great George R. R. Martin in bringing an exciting action RPG set in this beloved fantasy universe to fans and gamers in early 2012."

"This is a wonderful way for fans to engage with the brand in an exciting and interactive way," stated James Costos, VP of HBO Global Licensing. "ATLUS and Cyanide are leaders in developing world class games with broad accessibility so the partnership was an ideal fit for us."

"Game of Thrones" is currently scheduled to release in early 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. For more information, visit http://gameofthrones-thegame.com. Expect frequent news updates, content additions, and more between now and the game's release