There are few fantasy worlds that feel as richly realized as the universe of Game of Thrones. From Westeros’ noble houses to the ancient mysteries behind the Wall, credit is due to George R. R. Martin for creating a world that has set such a high bar for world-building. However, I still think that television can only show us so much of its fictional worlds.

The best RPGs make their settings more than backdrops for an adventure, and in my opinion, offer a more riveting take on world-building than Game of Thrones itself. With everything from fantastical realms shaped by ancient gods to historically grounded societies defined by political rivalries and rigid social hierarchies, these open-world RPGs give Game of Thrones a run for its money when it comes to world-building.

For me, The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind is one of the strongest contenders for world-building, and that becomes even more apparent when you compare its rich lore to that of its successors, Oblivion and Skyrim. While both the fourth and fifth Elder Scrolls are undoubtedly some of the most influential medieval fantasy RPGs in gaming, Morrowind stands out for its morally ambiguous world and the freedom it gives its players. Game of Thrones also excels at exploring the darker sides of its characters, but, much like in Skyrim, its story is shaped by the idea of a prophesied hero destined to "save" the realm.

What sets Morrowind apart, in my opinion, is how rarely it presents morality in black-and-white terms.

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