"Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Now in Early Access on Steam"

When it comes to genre-defining works, few would argue that Game of Thrones has become the quintessential example of dark medieval fantasy for modern audiences. Since the conclusion of the HBO miniseries, the rich world of Westeros has been largely quiet, save for the spin-off series House of the Dragon. However, fans of the franchise have something new to look forward to on the gaming front.

Netmarble's upcoming release, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, is set to launch into early access on March 26th. There's a catch for mobile enthusiasts though—this initial release is exclusively on Steam. This decision marks an interesting pivot for Netmarble, a company traditionally known for its focus on mobile gaming. Given the mass appeal of Game of Thrones, a successful early access campaign on Steam could pave the way for a mobile version sooner rather than later.

Insert Jon Snow knowing nothing joke here

Netmarble's strategy to launch on Steam first is somewhat puzzling, especially given their long-standing mobile focus. It's possible this move serves as a stress test, as PC gamers tend to scrutinize any potential issues more intensely. This approach, however, might leave mobile players feeling sidelined, echoing similar tactics seen with releases like Once Human and Delta Force from other companies, which also prioritized PC over mobile.

This trend raises questions about whether we're witnessing a broader shift among traditionally mobile-focused companies towards PC-first strategies. Only time will tell.

In the meantime, if you're eager to pass the time while waiting for Game of Thrones: Kingsroad to make its way to mobile, why not explore some of the exciting new mobile games featured on our latest list of the top five new mobile games to try this week?