Today developer Disruptor Beam launches the open beta for Game of Thrones Ascent for Facebook, and I couldn't imagine a more fitting platform. It's got social and political intrigue, it's regularly the staging ground for massive wars, and your family members are just a click away in case you need... military support. Yes.
Game of Thrones Ascent is a mostly text-based massively multiplayer online strategy game that casts players in the role of the head of a noble house, pledged to one of the major players in the land of Westeros. Cast your lot with House Stark, Lannister, Baratheon (my choice), Greyjoy or Targaryen and then choose your path of power—trade, combat or intrigue. Hire Sworn Swords and send them on quests, fight with or against your friends—it's very much a Game of Thrones experience, only with more city building and resource management.
The developers show a deep reverence and respect for the source material, and their pledge to add more content throughout the life of the game based on player suggestions makes me hopeful that this is the best social game series fans could hope for.
The game's running a bit slow at the moment, as Westerosian hopefuls flood the newly-open lands, but it's certainly playable. Go see for yourself. It's fun for the whole family!