Warner Bros. Gamesis shaking up its methods, as the company recently announced that its gaming division will be split into four main groups. This approach to restructuring is a compelling development, as it confirms thatWarner Bros. Gamesis focusing hard on turning its key IPs into even bigger gaming franchises.
According to reports from Variety,Warner Bros. Games will be split into four main branches. The franchises that the company intends to focus on are DC Comics,Hogwarts Legacy,Mortal Kombat, andGame of Thrones. At first glance, these franchises make sense, as they’re huge properties owned by Warner Bros., but when it comes toGame of Thronesand the video game industry, the fantasy series hasn’t exactly been prominent. There have beenGame of Thronesvideo game adaptations in the past, but none have quite hit the highs of the other three franchises.
Game of Thrones Being Part of Warner Bros. Games' Main Focus Could Hint at More Game Adaptations in the Future
A Surprising Announcement at Summer Game Fest
Summer Game Fest was filled with exciting reveals, andGame of Throneswas among the list.Game of Thrones: War for Westerosis a real-time strategy game from developer Playside. Currently set to arrive sometime in 2026,Game of Thrones: War for Westerostasks players with strategizing to gain victory in battle, as the Great Houses fight for rule over Westeros.
Game of Thrones: War for Westeroswill be PC exclusive.
Game of Thrones: War for Westerosisn’t the firstreal-time strategyGame of Thronesgame, but its thrilling cinematic trailer definitely made it look intriguing. However, it’s still surprising that this particular franchise was chosen by Warner Bros. Games to be part of its big four.Mortal KombatandHogwarts Legacyhave gained solid success, and while DC-based games have recently been caught in a rut, James Gunn’s incoming revival of the DCU could reignite fervor for more games inspired by the brand’s comic book heroes. There is a lot of potential to still be dug up from the DC well, but when it comes toGame of Thrones, the ship may have sailed on Warner Bros.' ambitions for the franchise.
Yes,spin-offs likeHouse of the Dragonhave been successful, but the massive hype that was once surroundingGame of Throneshas seemingly died down for the most part. There is definitely the chance forGame of Thronesto have a second life via video games, but it makes one wonder if a real-time strategy game is the best way to build hype for future offerings.
There are also new reports that Sony could be set to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s IP and gaming branch. If this is the case, it’s unclear how this will affect Warner Bros. Games and its future projects.
War for Westeros' Performance May Determine the Franchise’s Gaming Future
Of course, there is the chance thatWar for Westeroscould be a hit, especially with real-time strategy fans. If this is the case, then Warner Bros. Games would have every reason to go all in on the franchise. Regardless, it feels a bit strange to haveGame of Thronesin the same boat as three proven gaming franchises.
This planned restructuring of Warner Bros. Games is still incredibly fresh, so it remains to be seen just how much the company is planning to lean intoGame of Thrones. IfWar for Westerossucceeds, it could pave the way foraGame of ThronesRPGor story-driven single-player game. This is purely speculation, but if Warner Bros. Games is wanting to get players excited about moreGame of Thronescontent, looking beyond a real-time strategy game will likely be necessary.
