Board Game Spotlight: Game of Thrones 2nd Edition

In today's board game spotlight, we are calling the banners and fortifying our defences, as we take a look at the second edition of A Game of Thrones the board game.

The game is inspired by G.R.R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, which also gave birth to the immensely popular Game of Thrones TV show, with the game components using the same style as the hit LCG card game, both of which are produced by Fantasy Flight Games.

The Game

“When Aegon the Dragon stepped ashore in Westeros, the kings of Vale and Rock and Reach did not rush to hand him their crowns. If you mean to sit his Iron Throne, you must win it as he did, with steel and dragonfire.”
–George R.R. Martin, A Storm of Swords

Game of Thrones 2nd edition was released in 2011, and takes up to six players. Each of these players will take control one of several houses vying for the throne of Westeros. House Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, Martell, Tyrell and Greyjoy are all playable, with each having a set of cards depicting the houses most prominent individuals.

These characters will help your house play to its strengths as well as leading your armies into battle. The game uses a hidden order system similar to diplomacy, to keep your enemies and your 'allies' guessing, as only one house can claim the six castles needed to secure victory, and in the Game of Thrones you either win or you die.

The Source Material

The first book in the Song of Fire and Ice series was released in 1996 and titled A Game of Thrones. This book's title has now become more synonymous with the series than the real name, this was further enforced by the smash-hit TV show being named a Game of Thrones.

The TV show was originally dismissed by critics, however, it has proved wildly popular, being awarded thirty-eight Emmy Awards is now going into its seventh season with an eighth already announced, however, this will be the show's final season.

The Publisher

Fantasy Flight Publishing was established in 1995 by Christian T. Petersen and released Twilight Imperium, their first game, in 1997 as Fantasy Flight Games. They partnered in 2008 with Games Workshop, to produce a line of role-playing and board games set in the Warhammer setting, and in 2011 also took on the Star Wars licence.

FFG have recently announced their merger with the French company Asmodee Editions, which makes them one of the largest board gaming groups.

Claim the Throne

So step into G.R.R Martin's award-winning setting and stake your claim! Game of Thrones is available from our online store today!