GB Feature: Game of Thrones RPG Interview and Screenshots

After reporting that a role-playing game based on A Game of Thrones was in the works at Cyanide and letting you know about a 14-minute sneak peek of the Game of Thrones series that’s debuting on HBO this weekend, we’re excited to bring you the very first interview with the RPG’s project manager, Thomas Veauclin. Enjoy:

GB: We know it’s early, but what can you tell us about the game’s character creation and advancement system? Will you be taking a numbers-heavy approach with attributes, skill checks, combat rolls, and such, or will the game be more of an action RPG? Also, will there be a fixed protagonist or is the game going to allow for character customization right from the start?

Thomas: We are working on a linear storyline in which our two main characters are “delimited”. This must not be equated with constrained; it just means that a coherent story requires that the dramatis personae be coherent. The two of them thus have a well-defined background and a given mindset, which impact on their relationship. Of course, the player will be able to customise the equipment and attributes of his characters and this will allow them to evolve in a direction chosen by the player.

The same goes for the storyline. It would be impossible to offer an epic adventure if the game was played in an open world. Depth can only be provided if we keep the player to a linear path. Again, the player will be able to make vital choices at key moments, so he is not a captive of the game scenario.

As for gameplay, we are very much tactical RPG-orientated. That’s why, in combat, we use an active pause system which allows skills to be stacked while the game is switched into slow motion.

Additionally, we’ve added two screenshots and a piece of artwork to our image gallery. The first depicts the black brother Mors, the second depicts one of the abandoned castles on the Wall, and the third depicts a “Castle Black” loading screen from the game.