Game of Thrones RTS Devs Design for Strategy Novices
PlaySide Studios is preparing for an influx of Game of Thrones fans who have no experience with real-time strategy games when War for Westeros launches. Game director Ryan McMahon says the team prioritizes approachability, implementing a robust tutorial and a 'set and forget' worker system that reduces micromanagement. The goal is to welcome newcomers without compromising the depth that RTS enthusiasts expect.
PlaySide's design philosophy centers on onboarding rather than simplification. The 'set and forget' building system removes constant worker micromanagement, letting players concentrate on combat and hero deployment. A comprehensive tutorial and campaign mode serve as the primary teaching tools for newcomers.
To ease players into competitive play, the AI is calibrated to allow gradual learning in single-player before venturing online. While the game features HBO character likenesses, dialogue is delivered by soundalike performers, as securing the original actors proved prohibitively expensive or unfeasible.
This approach could expand the real-time strategy audience by attracting casual Game of Thrones viewers who might otherwise be intimidated by the genre's complexity. If successful, it may encourage other developers to prioritize approachability in licensed adaptations, potentially bridging the gap between narrative-driven fans and hardcore strategists. The balance between simplicity and depth could also shape player expectations for future crossover titles.