How A Game Of Thrones Game Like Fire Emblem: Three Houses Could Work

George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones, aka A Song of Ice and Fire, has had a handful of video game adaptations. From Telltale Games to mobile platforms, these titles have taken many forms. There hasn’t, however, been a true RPG Game of Thrones game, even though it is perfect for the genre. There are also previous video games that this title could take inspiration from, namely Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Most of these Game of Thrones video game adaptations have held closely to the storyline from the books or show in order to allow for cameos from fan-favorite characters. But the world of A Song of Ice and Fire is vast and complex, so there are plenty of new storylines that a game could tell, providing the suspense and excitement that the series is so well known for. Something of the same caliber as Game of Thrones deserves a game of similar magnitude, one that hasn’t yet been seen. But by taking inspiration from titles like Fire Emblem: Three Houses, a Game of Thrones video game could be fantastic.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses already has a few similarities with Game Of Thrones – they both feature a fair-haired, purple-eyed princess. The game also has three separate houses that the player can choose to support, and which house they choose affects the story. This model from Fire Emblem: Three Houses aligns perfectly with Game of Thrones. With all its different factions and houses, a Game of Thrones video game could provide players with the same choice. Each house would also have different characters and endings. For one example, the game could follow the conflict of the Dance of the Dragons, the civil war between two Targaryen factions. The player could choose between the two factions, the Blacks and the Reds, and navigate this dangerous and volatile time in Westeros’ history.

A Game Of Thrones RPG Could Look Like Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Also like Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the main character could be a person from a previously unknown house that the factions recruit to their cause. The main character would then aid them in the conflict. The Telltale Game of Thrones title featured a similar concept with the main character coming from a house of the player’s creation. Character creation is becoming a more popular feature in games, but with a very story-heavy title like this, it would be difficult to do. Keeping the same main character would allow for some consistency throughout each playthrough, but there could still be some customization through the gender and naming of the character.

Players have the ability to recruit members in Fire Emblem: Three Houses to their side – including characters from outside the player’s house. In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, such recruitments will also be necessary. The player could be tasked with filling the ranks with soldiers, builders, merchants, and other lords. The world of Game of Thrones is a lot bigger than simply Westeros, so the player could also recruit people from beyond the country’s borders. They would also need to maintain and build relationships with their allies, just like in Fire Emblem. Whether inviting them over for dinner or taking them out on a hunt, time would need to be spent reaffirming alliances to ensure their house’s success.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses has optional daily activities that players can choose to partake in. In a Game of  Thrones game, the daily activities could be bonding with allies, practicing combat, exploring the map, and more. It is these daily activities that bring the game to life. There is no lack of lore in A Song of Ice and Fire, and with so much to learn it can be very overwhelming. These more mundane activities would allow the opportunity for players to learn more about the world and conflict they are fighting in. One of the strongest features of A Song of Ice and Fire is its characters, and there is no better way to learn about them than to follow them through their daily lives. These daily activities could also affect the outcome of the game itself. For instance, if a player neglects their combat skills, they may find battle particularly difficult. Or if they ignore a certain ally, that lord may switch sides.

Along these lines, there could also be a reputation system. Honor plays a big role in Game of Thrones, even for those who have none. The characters with more honor are typically more respected and trusted, while those with little to no honor are kept at arm’s length. At the same time, however, very honorable characters are also easier to manipulate. Players would need to find a balance between maintaining a respectable reputation while also keeping an eye out for those who would deceive them.

How A Game Of Thrones RPG Could Set Itself Apart From Fire Emblem: Three Houses

A Game of Thrones RPG would also need to stand on its own two legs. It can’t simply be a Fire Emblem: Three Houses copy, after all. In order to provide the most immersive experience possible, this title should be an Action RPG with real-time combat, instead of the turn-based strategy combat found in Fire Emblem. In terms of making skills different from Three Houses‘, there could also be a three-pronged skill tree with one tree being dedicated to combat.

Diplomacy is also incredibly important in Game of Thrones. No single house can win a war all on its own. Therefore, the second skill tree would go to diplomacy where players would learn skills to better their negotiation abilities. Lastly, it would not be Game of Thrones without a little deception. This final skill tree would help players master the art of manipulation and deceit. One skill could even allow the player to begin hiring informants to better learn their enemies’ secrets.

There should be no one way to play this game, either. If the player wants to focus solely on combat, then they could do that. Another player may never want to see a battlefield, so they would focus more on diplomacy and deception. A major theme in both A Song of Ice and Fire and Fire Emblem: Three Houses is choice – and the consequences of those choices. A Game of Thrones video game should be able to adapt to each player’s decisions and play style so that each playthrough is unique. Just like in the original story, the player should never be certain of their success or safety. Every choice should matter and, therefore, be thought out. After all, when one plays the Game of Thrones, they win or they die.

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