Fantasy Flight Games has announced the Q4 release of Game of Thrones: The Iron Throne.

Combining the intrigue of the widely popular HBO television series Game of Thrones with the proven mechanics of the classic board game Cosmic Encounter, The Iron Throne pits three to five players in a struggle for control for the Iron Throne following the death of King Robert Baratheon.  Each player controls one of the five Houses, each with its own unique advantages and characters. 

The turn of a card determines which Houses are in conflict each turn, each choosing one of their five characters to represent them in the encounter, while the other Houses may choose to ally themselves with one side or the other. Players can then bid cards to overpower their opponents or try to negotiate deals.  The first player to gain influence on five opposing characters wins the game.

Game of Thrones:  The Iron Throne was designed by Bill Eberle, Peter Olotka, Greg Olotka, and Justin Kemppainen.  The game is for 3 to 5 players, ages 18 and up, and plays in less than an hour.  MSRP is $49.95.

Fantasy Flight is releasing another game inspired by a popular fantasy literary series in Q4: The Lord of the Rings:  Journey to Mordor (see “‘LOTR:  Journey to Mordor’”).