I even saw a presentation by its lead designer where he lamented the fact that the Game Of Thrones name was taken, since it was perfect for his game of politics, backstabbing, arranged marriages, and war. There’s no video game better at exploring the game of feudalism than Crusader Kings 2 from Paradox Interactive.
For example, Robb Stark cannot declare for the Iron Throne at the start of the War Of The Five Kings, because the Starks have no claim to the throne, so instead he declares independence, which ends up making his war strategically muddled, leading indirectly to his downfall. The feudal system of Westeros, where lords have autonomy and their own armies but are supposed to follow the laws of the king, contains its own rules and wiggle room.
For example: strategic games are built around rules and constraints, highlighting what choices the players can make by restriction what they can’t.
