When Game of Thrones debuted in 2011, it featured an instantly eye-catching opening sequence that established the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire as locations on a map with an astrolabe sun. The title sequence was created by a company called Elastic, which won an Emmy Award for their work. One of the joys of Game of Thrones is watching for new locations as they pop up on the map at the beginning of each episode.
Ahead of the upcoming sixth season, HBO and Elastic have recreated the Game of Thrones opening sequence in partnership with Facebook and Oculus. But this is more than just a recreation. As noted in the initial report by Entertainment Weekly, this new video allows the viewer to control the 360-degree view of Westeros and Essos like never before. There are also several new Easter Eggs which have been added to the map, including an ominous glimpse of the Night’s King beyond the Wall.
Related: The Dead Are Coming In New ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 6 Trailer
There is actually an in-show explanation for the Game of Thrones title sequence that will probably never come up on the series itself. Producer Greg Spence has mentioned during an interview with Hitfix that Elastic’s Angus Wall came up with the idea that the credit sequence map was the “vision of a mad monk, in a tower somewhere.” Spence added that the monk “would then fashion little automatons out of the materials that would be available in his world. They would be stone, or tin, or wood, and everything would feel very hand-crafted.”
It’s not clear if HBO will use the new video as a replacement for the original Game of Thrones opening credits. The sixth season premiere will run on Sunday, April 24.
Photo Credit: HBO
Game of Thrones Season 6 Gallery
Game of Thrones Season 6 Gallery
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Sansa Stark In the Snow
Guess who survived the leap from Winterfell's castle walls? Sansa Stark lives to avenge herself and her family.
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Sansa and Theon
Sansa has every reason to hate Theon, but he did help her escape the Boltons. Will she forgive him and allow Theon to help her?
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Ramsay Bolton
The most hated man in the North and Sansa's husband, Ramsay Bolton.
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The Boltons
Roose Bolton and his bastard, Ramsay. They must be defeated at all costs if the North is to be freed.
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Melisandre at Castle Black
Contrary to fan rumors, Melisandre doesn't have the power to bring Jon Snow back from the dead. But perhaps her Lord of Light does...
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Davos Seaworth
As soon as Davos learns what happened to Princess Shireen, Melisandre had better watch her back.
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Brienne of Tarth
Brienne has reached the crossroads of her journey and avenged Renly by killing his brother, Stannis. But she still owes Sansa Stark a vow of protection.
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Sam and Gilly
Sam and Gilly had the very good fortune to get out of Castle Black before the men turned on Jon Snow. But their role in the story is far from done.
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Bran Stark and The Three-eyed Raven
Bran Stark is back this season, as the Three-eyed Raven tutors him in the use of his powers.
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Lord Balon Greyjoy
Lord Greyjoy remains a wildcard in the story and an enemy of both the North and the Lannisters.
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Yara Greyjoy
Theon's sister, Yara, is more of a man than he'll ever be...especially now. She could be a valued ally, or a fearsome foe.
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Jaime Lannister
Jaime Lannister traveled to Dorne to save his daughter, Myrcella. He failed, and now accompanies her body back to King's Landing.
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Tommen and Jaime mourn Myrcella
Before she died, Myrcella revealed that she knew Jaime was her father. Is Tommen aware of that fact as well?
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Jaime and Cersei
Somehow, we don't think that Cersei will ever forgive Jaime for failing to save their daughter.
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The High Sparrow
A deceptively simple man, the High Sparrow may also be the most dangerous man in King's Landing. Cersei's foolishness has given this holy crusader his own army and near impunity to do as he wishes.
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Margaery in captivity
Case in point, the High Sparrow still has Queen Margaery in captivity because she lied to protect her brother, Loras. But who will break first, Loras or Margaery?
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Arya Stark
Across the Narrow Sea in Braavos, Arya is now a blind beggar after crossing the Faceless Men.
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Daenerys
The Mother of Dragons has been removed from her seat of power by her own dragon, and she can not return to home...yet.
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Daenerys in captivity
As you can see, Daenerys is currently being held captive by a Dothraki khalasar.
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Daenerys Stormborn
But does anyone think that Daenerys will tolerate being a captive for long? She may not even need her dragons to conquer the khalasar.
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Missandei
Daenerys' trusted adviser, Missandei attempts to keep Meereen in the name of her leader.
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Tyrion, Missandei and Grey Worm
Missandei and Grey Worm don't really know or trust Tyrion, but he may be their only hope of restoring the peace in Meereen.
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Tyrion and Varys
Everyone's favorite odd couple is back in Meereen. Varys and Tyrion made quite the team in King's Landing, and now they can work their magic without Joffrey making things worse for them.
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Tyrion
Aside from Daenerys herself, Tyrion may be the best suited to rule the seven kingdoms of Westeros. But he may have to settle for being the new power behind the throne...provided that Daenerys finally gets around to reconquering her homeland.
Image Credit: Macall B. Polay/HBO
