Season six of Game of Thrones is nearly upon us and satellite television network HBO has confirmed that critics will not be offered copies of episodes to review in advance.
There is a lot of speculation as to why HBO has taken this decision, presumably however, problems with piracy and potential leaking of spoilers have sparked the move.
The sheer size of Game of Thrones makes it a prime target for privacy, and as we've seen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the notion of shutting the door on pre-aired screenings and copies can help force the issue.
The story was broke by Entertainment Weekly after an interview with HBO's programming president, Michael Lombardo. He said: "We’re not sending out press copies this year, anywhere in the world. There will be no copies for review."
After all, Game of Thrones' season five was plagued by 'internet pirates,' with the first few episodes released early – seemingly something that HBO looks to prevent this time around.
Season six also marks the first time that Game of Thrones spoilers are not readily available in book-form, making spoilers even more in demand among the show's faithful.
Sophie Turner might well have dropped a spoiler this week in regards to the status of her character, Sansa Stark, as the Game of Thrones moves into the future.
As the popular show deviates away from the books it seems like it's even harder for fans to predict what way the product is going to go, arguably leaving all characters exposed to the chance of death.
