Games of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms MMO Teaser Trailer

When you see the term 'Browser Based Game', I usually take a big sigh and click that big red X in the corner. You see, there just isn't that much to get excited by when you have the limitations of a F2P MMO. Free 2 Play generally escalates into Pay 2 Win, demolishing any momentum you may receive through normal play, while the specs of the game will always have to be able to handle the majority of people's systems; especially in the graphics department, where you have to have a setting that is pretty much universal (i.e - garbage). But throughout all this, I just can't help but get giddy with excitement over Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7URbRRgwyq4 The game will not follow the established story of the books or TV show, rather focusing on sub characters, probably your own character, joining one of the three Houses of Westeros; Stark, Lannister and Baratheon. Though you won't actually interact with any of the main characters of the Houses (instead, you'll be joining a smaller faction), your character will be able to switch allegiances, indulge in deceit, lies and backstabbing, which is a staple for any game of thrones. And this is why it'll be awesome. Fully PvP and faction led, combat will be centred around skirmishes and arenas around the many areas of Westeros, though will probably be staggered in how they are unlocked. In an ever increasing like for tailor fitting your characters, Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms will do away with specific classes. Instead, you can level individual skills and weapons as and how you like, allowing you to create a character exactly how you want to. As the game will be purely sandbox, you'll inevitably see a vast difference in the characters that are created, making the end product a very interesting one indeed. Speaking of the sandbox system, the game promises to be huge. While only the three factions will be available at launch, expect others to be available as either unlocks or expansions, namely the Iron Islanders, Grey Joys and even Targaryens. The same will be true for character models; human sized players are only available at launch, but expect to see Tyrion and Hodor clones before you know it. Forts and castles are plentiful already, and with up to 100 players able to be supported per area, the war will inevitably be brutal. However, the game will clearly not be as brutal as you'd come to love from other media. The game will obviously be open to everyone, scaling back the violence and removing the sex and nudity that is a staple from this fantasy series. This could be a make or break aspect of the game; while it will mean the game will be enjoyed by everyone, it might leave fans of the series feeling slightly jaded (after all, how many people watched the show simply because of these aspects?) Most signs are looking hopeful, however. The aforementioned problem with browser based MMOs seem to have been handled well, with dynamic weather and time systems enabling users to know exactly when winter is coming. The graphics, though simple in theory, look to be the best of any free MMO in recent times, and really showcases how this genre of game is evolving. PC and Mac users will be able to cross platform because of it, but House Linux will unfortunately be absent. The game uses the Utility 3D engine, making sure the graphics will give the shine needed when visiting King's Landing, as well the dirt encrusted fortress of The Wall. HBO and Artplant are working in close correspondents with one another, with music and sound effects ripped straight from the TV show, as well as the inconic map of Westeros being used as the game's world map. Overall, the game is looking splendid. A F2P MMO centred around political deviation, betrayal and epic 100 player wars? I, for one, cannot wait. Beta is available soon, with the game expected to be realised by the end of 2012.