It's the kind of expansionist ambition the Lannisters would surely approve of.
That is, the hugely popular "Game of Thrones" saga will be making its way from the top of the best seller's list and the bowels of the HBO hit machine and rise to new life on Facebook as a game.
Boston based company Disruptor Beam announced Monday that it is producing a social game based on the award-winning "Game of Thrones" TV series which is based on the best-selling "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by George R.R. Martin.
The game will be called "Game of Thrones Ascent." The official announcement describes it like this:
In Game of Thrones Ascent players will lead the life of a noble during the time of upheaval as portrayed in the books and the series thus experiencing a new type of game that unites both story and strategy. Players will claim their birthright by choosing which of the great houses they’ll swear allegiance to, securing their holdings, developing their lands and personal reputation, and assigning sworn swords to quests--while forging alliances with new friends and much more!
A launch date has not yet been named so you have plenty of time to decide whether you'll join the Lannister clan, the Starks or the other houses battling and backstabbing their way to rule over the land of Westeros.
Meanwhile, "Game of Thrones Ascent" will be just the latest game to try to ride the "AGoT" popularity wave.
A "Game of Thrones" role-playing game launched last week to mediocre reviews. "A Game of Thrones: Genesis," a real-time strategy game, launched late last year ... also to mediocre reviews.
It seems no game has been able to recreate that magical mixture of fantasy worldmaking, political intrigue and character development that has so entranced fans of the books and HBO series. A social-network game was surely only a matter of time. But what are the chances a Facebook clicker might capture the hearts and minds of Martin's many, many fans?
Well, stranger things have happened in the land of Westeros.
Winda Benedetti writes about games for msnbc.com. You can follow her tweets about games and other things here on Twitter or join her in the stream here on Google+. And for more video game news and reviews be sure to check out the In-Game Facebook page right here.
