The wait is almost over. As ‘Game of Thrones’ returns, we look at the way the series has been marketed – with a range of HBO-endorsed merchandise ready for the fans…
A small, relatively unknown independent production returns to television this weekend. Yes… drum-roll, it may (or may not) be a late Snow as spring works its way across the television landscape but there’s no denying that millions will be tuning in to see the first episode of the sixth season of Game of Thrones – the show that’s done for dragons and wedding planning what Jaws did for sharks.
You’ll find no spoilers here – we prefer to keep such surprises for first viewing, but we were contacted by the people behind HBO‘s show to look at some of the merchandise that has grown up around the show. In a world where tie-ins are essential to any self-respecting success, Game of Thrones is no exception. In fact the channel itself has a site devoted to such and they kindly sent us a sample.
The Hound’s Helm Mini Kit
The Hound’s Helm Mini Kit may be meant for display but it actually makes a rather impressive paperweight if you choose to use it as such. Standing about four inches high, when displayed properly, the pewter effect makes it look heavier and bulkier than it is, but it is heavy enough to stand its ground and is reproduced in fine detail and the jaw itself moves to create an equally impressive snarl at anyone who might seek to pilfer your desktop or birthright. It also comes with a fold-out Westeros Map poster that gives a detailed look at the lands in which the Game of Thrones deadly tales play out – always useful for following the various allies and enemies as they plot…
Game of Thrones Playing Cards
There are also Game of Thrones Playing Cards, which somehow seem entirely appropriate when the life-and-death, poker-faced (and occasionally real pokers) are also played out. The designs include the various house emblems that are at war with each other in Westeros and the infamous ‘Throne’ itself is on the back of each of them.
Revenge is, as they say, a dish best served cold… but you need to keep things hot for battle. So how about Travel Mugs featuring the likes of the Targaryen and Lannister crests to demonstrate your particular allegiance (at least for now). Alternatively there’s a Kahl Mug (marketed for ‘commanding leaders only’). If there’s a chance of staining the table you place them on, there’s also a set of Game of Thrones coasters to place them on… because you can be a mighty warrior and still have table-manners, surely?
If all the actual killing is weighing heavy on your shoulders then perhaps a board game will stop you getting bored. Yes, Westeros now has its own version of Monopoly in which ‘going directly to jail’ might carry more fatal consequences than the average version. However we tend to think the show lends itself even more to the ‘Risk‘ format. A version of that game is available, though the European HBO site only appears to have the French and German versions available at time of writing…
Of course, there’s also a range of t-shirts, toys, models and the ever-reliable Funko Pop! figures in the mix too. You can find more about the extensive tie-ins at HBO’s store…
