Game of Thrones fans have another way to watch the first episode of Game of Thrones online now, thanks to Xbox Live.
Microsoft announced this morning that Xbox Live members can watch the first episode of the fifth season of the popular HBO series online through their service.
As part of a promotion for HBO, the service plans on getting people hooked on the new season of Game of Thrones so that they'll go sign up for HBO Go and watch it through Xbox Live.
The promotion also includes other Game of Thrones exclusives on the Xbox Live platform, including season five previews of the series, the ability to pledge allegiance to a particular house associated with the show, behind-the-scenes set tours and a Westeros trivia challenge with questions asked by Game of Thrones cast members.
However, all this is only available for a limited time: through April 16. So if you're wanting to see that first season five episode, watch as soon as you can.
"So, rally the realm, and get to your nearest Xbox to enjoy the Season 5 premiere all week," writes Xbox Wire. "Once you've finished watching the Season 5 premiere, contact your provider so you can watch the rest of the season on HBO GO with Xbox."
In the meantime, those who already have a subscription to HBO through a cable or satellite provider can watch the series via HBO Go, HBO's companion streaming service. And those with iOS devices, such as an iPad or iPhone, can now sign up for HBO's $15 per month standalone streaming service, HBO Now, which will roll out to the general population in 90 days.
If you're still out of luck and can't watch Game of Thrones online, though, you can always delve into the world of Westeros through the A Song of Ice and Fire book series by George R.R. Martin, the inspiration for the HBO series. Of course, please note that by the end of this season, HBO's show will catch up to the books, so season six will likely spoil any further novels.
The good news is that Martin is currently working hard to finish the sixth book in the series, Winds of Winter, and has canceled several convention appearances to do so. In the meantime, you can get a sneak peek at that book via an excerpt posted by Martin to his website, showing us a little of what's happened to Sansa (now Alayne) since the previous book, A Dance With Dragons.
Game of Thrones airs live on Sundays on HBO.
[Photo Credit: HBO]
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