Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,' a new title based on the IP famous for its novels and TV series, has announced its PC launch for May 14, with full service beginning on May 21.

Netmarble held an online showcase for its action RPG, 'Game of Thrones: Kingsroad' (Kingsroad), on the 17th. The event featured webtoon artist Lee Jong-beom, game creator RoofTopCAT, and Lead Producer Jang Hyun-il, who shared various details and updates about the game.

An Action RPG with a Focus on Narrative
A Unique Story Beyond the Original Work

As the title suggests, Kingsroad is based on George R.R. Martin's novels and the globally successful TV series. While the IP is iconic, it also carries significant pressure for developers. Despite this, the team was driven by a desire to create an 'action RPG with a strong narrative' and chose to adapt the world of Game of Thrones.

The decision to adapt the series was driven not only by the appeal of action-based gameplay but also by the inherent immersion and charm of the original story. The source material features a massive scale, complex political elements, and realistic, multi-dimensional characters. The development team felt that Game of Thrones was the perfect fit for the narrative-driven action RPG they wanted to build.

Given the fame of the IP, the team placed a heavy emphasis on the story. A key premise for development was to avoid simply retelling the TV series. They believed that for fans drawn to the game, experiencing a new story would be more rewarding than revisiting one they already know.

Consequently, the game will feature an original story that expands beyond the original work. It explores questions like, 'Who managed to secure the support of so many houses just before the threat beyond the Wall clashed with Westeros?' and 'Who was the first to warn Westeros about the threat beyond the Wall that Jon Snow discovered?' These stories, set around major events, will be told through Kingsroad.

In this narrative, the player becomes the protagonist at the center of the action. You play as the bastard child of House Tyre, a northern knightly house loyal to the Starks. After your siblings are killed at the 'Red Wedding,' you embark on a journey as the sole heir to protect your house.

Producer Jang noted that the story is designed to be accessible even to those who have only watched the show or are entirely new to the IP. The original story is crafted to be complete in its own right, and players can make choices that lead to the survival or death of certain characters. These branching paths are intended to provide additional depth for fans of the original series.

Realism That Delivers 'Tactile' Satisfaction
100% Manual Action Combat

Another reason for choosing Game of Thrones as the setting was the potential for realistic, visceral action. While flashy magic and summons have their appeal, Kingsroad focuses on the fundamental fun of weighty, sometimes fast-paced controls that match the tone of the original. Producer Jang emphasized the 'tactile' feel of combat, focusing on the realism of every motion. The team aimed to make the impact of swords, shields, and fists hitting targets as realistic as possible.

To effectively convey this tactile feel, the game features fully manual combat with no auto-battle. Despite internal discussions, the team decided that auto-battle would undermine the core gameplay experience, opting instead for a strictly manual control scheme.

Kingsroad features a system where blocking and attacking are crucial, making auto-play impractical. This is further emphasized by the weight of the combat. The developers highlighted the sensation of a sword embedding into enemy armor, impactful skill motions that avoid being overly 'fantasy-like,' and the satisfying feedback from successful parries.

Players can equip two primary weapons and one ranged weapon per class, switching between them in real-time to suit the situation. Weapon swapping serves as a strategic tool; changing weapons grants access to different skills, including special skills that trigger once a gauge is filled. These skills are designed as strategic points that can turn the tide of battle. The game aims to provide both the fun of creating a unique combat style through skill combinations and a stylish action experience.

These controls are designed to make players feel a sense of dominance and conquest over bosses. This action can be experienced in different ways across three distinct classes.

The 'Mercenary,' inspired by wildlings like Tormund or Gregor Clegane, offers heavy, impactful combat using two-handed axes, gauntlets, and shields. The 'Knight' class is modeled after the Kingsguard of Westeros, featuring balanced combat using basic two-handed swordsmanship and fast dual-wielding techniques. The showcase featured a character wearing a Kingsguard costume. The 'Assassin,' reminiscent of Arya Stark, is inspired by the Faceless Men of Braavos and features the fastest, most agile combat style of the three classes.

These classes are not just simple job categories; they aim to faithfully recreate the identities and combat styles of characters from the original series.

Exploring Westeros in Diverse Ways
Co-op Play, World Exploration, and Estate Management

The game's combat design, control depth, and UI are primarily built for keyboard and mouse. While some UI elements are shared, the combat control schemes for PC and mobile are completely distinct. Gamepads are also supported to accommodate different playstyles.

In terms of content, PvE multiplayer is a core pillar. Players can look forward to 'Altar of Memories,' where four players battle fantastic creatures; 'Elite Hideout,' a two-player co-op mission to raid enemy camps; and 'Altar of the Abyss,' a raid-style mode. The Altar of the Abyss is the game's primary end-game content and will continue to expand through updates after launch.

As these modes rely on cooperation and linked play, they are not designed to be easily cleared. An MVP system is included to foster a sense of achievement through both party cooperation and friendly competition.

For players who prefer solo play, there are various options available. These include puzzles involving stone tablets containing history from the series, hunting ferocious wildlife in specific regions, and following raven tracks hidden across the field to defeat enemies and earn rewards. A roguelike mode involving expeditions beyond the Wall to face wights and wildlings is also in development, allowing players to explore the entirety of Westeros.

Players can also own their own house and estate. 'Renance Rest' serves as the player's estate, where they can manage workers and produce consumables using resources obtained through trade with other regions. Players can also grow their estate by constructing various buildings and adding new trade routes.

Producer Jang noted that to avoid the fatigue caused by 'daily chores,' content is not fixed to specific tasks. Players can choose between multiplayer, open-world, or exploration content based on their preferences, and the game is designed to allow players to catch up on their own schedule on a weekly basis.

Content Built Through Play, Not Gacha
PC Early Access on May 14, Official Service on May 21

The primary monetization products are monthly subscriptions and battle passes, supplemented by cosmetic items such as costumes, mounts, and profile decorations. While details are not yet finalized, subscriptions will offer minor convenience features and small resource benefits, while passes will be structured to efficiently provide materials and currency.

Producer Jang emphasized multiple times that there is no gacha, stating that they sacrificed many monetization options to prioritize the game's inherent fun. Although the Western early access version previously allowed for the direct purchase of some equipment, the team received significant feedback and has completely removed these elements for the Asian service.

Relics, which were previously obtainable through paid gacha, are now rewards for clearing general multiplayer content. Accessories, once obtained through gacha or crafting, have been moved to high-difficulty end-game content rewards. Furthermore, accessories can be traded between users to enhance the fun of acquiring equipment.

The video also showcased items such as Joffrey's costume, Kingsguard armor, and a Direwolf inspired by the original series.

The game will be available in early access on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on May 14, with official service beginning on May 21. Pre-registration on Steam and the Epic Games Store will reward players with a Northern Costume Selection Box and the special title 'Pioneer of Westeros.

A Steam CBT will be held on April 17, followed by a nickname reservation event on May 8. Post-launch updates will include the new 'Stormlands' region on the eastern coast of Westeros, world level expansions, new 'Altar of Memories' stages, and the introduction of the Kraken in the core end-game content, 'Altar of the Abyss'.