https://www.scmp.com/rss/500888/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Winter came and went, leaving millions disappointed by the ending and a generation of adolescent boys exhausted from overstimulation. Many more wondered whether all the blood and bare bottoms were strictly necessary. But few would argue that HBO’s Game of Thrones, which celebrates its 10th birthday on April 17, was anything less than a pop culture phenomenon. Much to the chagrin of TV executives, figuring out how to repeat its global success remains as much a mystery as how anyone ever built a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3129864/game-thrones-10-how-did-nerdy-fantasy-book-series?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3129864/game-thrones-10-how-did-nerdy-fantasy-book-series?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Apr 2021 21:00:11 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Protests are a serious matter, but black-clad citizens who rallied on the streets of Hong Kong the past two Sundays have found creative ways to take a stance with some humor. People were angry about a refusal from the city’s leader to kill a bill that would allow (among other things) Beijing to extradite fugitives in Hong Kong to mainland China. Authorities said the proposed law, now suspended indefinitely, was designed to plug loopholes. But it... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029422/avengers-pokemon-and-game-thrones-how-hong-kong-masses-harness-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029422/avengers-pokemon-and-game-thrones-how-hong-kong-masses-harness-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Jun 2019 11:49:55 +0000 Protests are a serious matter, but black-clad citizens who rallied on the streets of Hong Kong the past two Sundays have found creative ways to take a stance with some humor. People were angry about a refusal from the city’s leader to kill a bill that would allow (among other things) Beijing to extradite fugitives in Hong Kong to mainland China. Authorities said the proposed law, now suspended indefinitely, was designed to plug loopholes. But it triggered fears that political dissidents might be... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/avengers-and-game-thrones-how-hong-kong-masses-harness-pop-culture-and-memes-protest/article/3014886?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/avengers-and-game-thrones-how-hong-kong-masses-harness-pop-culture-and-memes-protest/article/3014886?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Jun 2019 11:49:55 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS China is in a war against historical fantasy. (Also history in general, but that’s another story). The first episode of a TV series seen as the Chinese answer to Game of Thrones saw the same fate as the series finale of GoT, which was shelved indefinitely in China hours before airing worldwide last month. The highly-anticipated Novoland: Eagle Flag, the latest show set in the fictional Novoland universe, was also suddenly canceled on Monday just minutes... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029398/china-cancels-its-own-version-game-thrones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029398/china-cancels-its-own-version-game-thrones?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Jun 2019 13:57:58 +0000 China is in a war against historical fantasy. (Also history in general, but that’s another story). The first episode of a TV series seen as the Chinese answer to Game of Thrones saw the same fate as the series finale of GoT, which was shelved indefinitely in China hours before airing worldwide last month. The highly-anticipated Novoland: Eagle Flag, the latest show set in the fictional Novoland universe, was also suddenly canceled on Monday just minutes before airing. Streaming site Tencent... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/china-cancels-its-own-version-game-thrones/article/3013244?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/china-cancels-its-own-version-game-thrones/article/3013244?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Jun 2019 13:57:58 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS By now, it’s a story familiar to many: A stocky, hammer-wielding warlord takes over an ailing dynasty, but he’s soon assassinated by those closest to him. The already-fragile empire is then sent into chaos, with many claiming themselves as the rightful heir to the throne. You can be forgiven if this description has you thinking of HBO’s hit show Game of Thrones. But I’m actually talking about Romance of the Three Kingdoms, China’s most iconic historical... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029394/total-war-three-kingdoms-based-chinas-game-thrones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029394/total-war-three-kingdoms-based-chinas-game-thrones?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Jun 2019 12:20:13 +0000 By now, it’s a story familiar to many: A stocky, hammer-wielding warlord takes over an ailing dynasty, but he’s soon assassinated by those closest to him. The already-fragile empire is then sent into chaos, with many claiming themselves as the rightful heir to the throne. You can be forgiven if this description has you thinking of HBO’s hit show Game of Thrones. But I’m actually talking about Romance of the Three Kingdoms, China’s most iconic historical novel based on the tumultuous Three... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/total-war-three-kingdoms-based-chinas-game-thrones/article/3013066?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/total-war-three-kingdoms-based-chinas-game-thrones/article/3013066?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Jun 2019 12:20:13 +0000 Imagine waiting years for the final episode of the biggest TV show in the world… and then an hour before it’s due to begin, it’s delayed indefinitely. (Note: There are no spoilers for Season 8 of Game of Thrones in this story.) That’s what happened to Chinese viewers waiting for the finale of Game of Thrones on Monday morning. Shortly before it was due to go live on streaming platform Tencent Video, the company said it was delayed because of “media transfer issues,” with no updated release... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-viewers-turn-piracy-after-game-thrones-finale-delayed/article/3011003?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-viewers-turn-piracy-after-game-thrones-finale-delayed/article/3011003?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 May 2019 14:20:34 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Imagine waiting years for the final episode of the biggest TV show in the world… and then an hour before it’s due to begin, it’s delayed indefinitely. (Note: There are no spoilers for Season 8 of Game of Thrones in this story.) That’s what happened to Chinese viewers waiting for the finale of Game of Thrones on Monday morning. Shortly before it was due to go live on streaming platform Tencent Video, the company said it was delayed because of “media... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029365/chinese-viewers-turn-piracy-after-game-thrones-finale-delayed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029365/chinese-viewers-turn-piracy-after-game-thrones-finale-delayed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 May 2019 14:20:34 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Despite being disgruntled with the last few episodes, fans of Game of Thrones in China still wanted to watch the big finale. But for many of them, the disappointment was that they weren’t able to see it. No, this isn’t a joke about episodes being too dark. An hour before it was due to go live on streaming platform Tencent Video, the official broadcaster delayed airing it due to “media transfer issues.” Still, it’s China: Plenty of others watched the... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029364/chinese-viewers-think-westeros-will-be-under-mass-surveillance-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029364/chinese-viewers-think-westeros-will-be-under-mass-surveillance-now?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 May 2019 14:00:53 +0000 Despite being disgruntled with the last few episodes, fans of Game of Thrones in China still wanted to watch the big finale. But for many of them, the disappointment was that they weren’t able to see it. No, this isn’t a joke about episodes being too dark. An hour before it was due to go live on streaming platform Tencent Video, the official broadcaster delayed airing it due to “media transfer issues.” Still, it’s China: Plenty of others watched the show anyway thanks to the many pirated copies... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-viewers-think-westeros-will-be-under-mass-surveillance-now/article/3010972?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-viewers-think-westeros-will-be-under-mass-surveillance-now/article/3010972?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 May 2019 14:00:53 +0000 Everyone is watching Game of Thrones... even in China. Every episode of the mega-hit HBO show is eagerly consumed by viewers in the country, who either watch the official Chinese stream on Tencent Video or from some, let's say, "unofficial" sources. And just like viewers everywhere else, when they're done, they flood social media with their commentary -- sometimes with a local twist. Here are some of our favorite memes from Season 8 so far. But before you go further, a warning: There are... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/here-are-best-game-thrones-memes-china/article/3010671?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/here-are-best-game-thrones-memes-china/article/3010671?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 May 2019 16:12:31 +0000 Everyone is watching Game of Thrones... even in China. Every episode of the mega-hit HBO show is eagerly consumed by viewers in the country, who either watch the official Chinese stream on Tencent Video or from some, let's say, "unofficial" sources. And just like viewers everywhere else, when they're done, they flood social media with their commentary -- sometimes with a local twist. Here are some of our favorite memes from Season 8 so far. But before you go further, a warning: There are... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029361/here-are-best-game-thrones-memes-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029361/here-are-best-game-thrones-memes-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 May 2019 16:12:31 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Chinese viewers hated the latest episode of Game of Thrones as much as the rest of the world seemed to. But one character was the subject of much praise. There are heavy spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 5: The Bells. Don’t scroll past the picture if you don’t want to be spoiled! The episode begins with the end of a character who’s been with the show since the first season: Lord Varys, executed by Daenerys after she finds out that he... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029348/chinese-viewers-hail-lord-varys-game-thrones-true-communist?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029348/chinese-viewers-hail-lord-varys-game-thrones-true-communist?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 May 2019 13:19:28 +0000 Chinese viewers hated the latest episode of Game of Thrones as much as the rest of the world seemed to. But one character was the subject of much praise. There are heavy spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 5: The Bells. Don’t scroll past the picture if you don’t want to be spoiled! The episode begins with the end of a character who’s been with the show since the first season: Lord Varys, executed by Daenerys after she finds out that he was plotting against her. Chinese viewers... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-viewers-hail-lord-varys-game-thrones-true-communist/article/3010013?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-viewers-hail-lord-varys-game-thrones-true-communist/article/3010013?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 May 2019 13:19:28 +0000 Game of Thrones is huge in China. But with just two episodes to go, some Chinese viewers are wondering if they care about it anymore. Beware: Heavy spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 4: The Last of the Starks. In the latest episode, The Last of the Starks, the northern alliance grudgingly agrees to go ahead and take the throne from Cersei after the Night King’s very sudden defeat. But that shocking twist has some unsure if they even care anymore. “Can’t believe I’m hoping that... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-viewers-mourn-night-king-they-grow-more-unsatisfied-game-thrones/article/3009015?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-viewers-mourn-night-king-they-grow-more-unsatisfied-game-thrones/article/3009015?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 May 2019 12:51:10 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Game of Thrones is huge in China. But with just two episodes to go, some Chinese viewers are wondering if they care about it anymore. Beware: Heavy spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 4: The Last of the Starks. In the latest episode, The Last of the Starks, the northern alliance grudgingly agrees to go ahead and take the throne from Cersei after the Night King’s very sudden defeat. But that shocking twist has some unsure if they even... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029330/chinese-viewers-mourn-night-king-they-grow-more-unsatisfied-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029330/chinese-viewers-mourn-night-king-they-grow-more-unsatisfied-game?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 May 2019 12:51:10 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS China is just as excited about the final battle between the living and the dead as everywhere else. But Chinese viewers are also somewhat disappointed by today's big episode. Beware: Major spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 3: The Long Night. While Chinese viewers agree that the episode is great fun to watch and has lots of touching moments, they are not very impressed by the battle plan from the good guys. “When watching this episode,... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029315/chinese-netizens-think-winterfells-defenders-should-learn-sun-tzus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029315/chinese-netizens-think-winterfells-defenders-should-learn-sun-tzus?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:20:59 +0000 China is just as excited about the final battle between the living and the dead as everywhere else. But Chinese viewers are also somewhat disappointed by today's big episode. Beware: Major spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 3: The Long Night. While Chinese viewers agree that the episode is great fun to watch and has lots of touching moments, they are not very impressed by the battle plan from the good guys. “When watching this episode, I feel like I can’t get immersed in the... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-netizens-think-winterfells-defenders-should-learn-sun-tzus-art-war/article/3008130?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-netizens-think-winterfells-defenders-should-learn-sun-tzus-art-war/article/3008130?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:20:59 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Game of Thrones isn’t just a Western phenomenon. The HBO series is big in China too, and after watching the second episode of the final season, netizens flooded social media with their reactions. One scene was compared to Chinese politics, while another angered people so much that they actually wished the hated censors had cut it out entirely. BEWARE: There are heavy spoilers in this story for Episode 2 of Season 8 ahead! One user on Zhihu has some... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029302/chinese-users-wish-game-thrones-scene-was-censored?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029302/chinese-users-wish-game-thrones-scene-was-censored?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Apr 2019 13:20:00 +0000 Game of Thrones isn’t just a Western phenomenon. The HBO series is big in China too, and after watching the second episode of the final season, netizens flooded social media with their reactions. One scene was compared to Chinese politics, while another angered people so much that they actually wished the hated censors had cut it out entirely. BEWARE: There are heavy spoilers in this story for Episode 2 of Season 8 ahead! One user on Zhihu has some suggestions for the glaring question facing... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-users-wish-one-scene-was-censored-latest-game-thrones-episode/article/3007349?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/chinese-users-wish-one-scene-was-censored-latest-game-thrones-episode/article/3007349?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Apr 2019 13:20:00 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Chinese Game of Thrones fans really hoped they would be able to watch an uncensored version of the show’s final season. But when they streamed the premiere for the long-awaited final season on Monday, the viewing experience was lacking… literally. Tencent Video, HBO’s official distributor for the show in China, streamed the episode online on Monday morning -- at the same time as it was airing on TV in the US. But the version Chinese viewers saw cut more... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029287/best-bit-game-thrones-season-premiere-was-censored-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029287/best-bit-game-thrones-season-premiere-was-censored-china?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Apr 2019 13:44:02 +0000 Chinese Game of Thrones fans really hoped they would be able to watch an uncensored version of the show’s final season. But when they streamed the premiere for the long-awaited final season on Monday, the viewing experience was lacking… literally. Tencent Video, HBO’s official distributor for the show in China, streamed the episode online on Monday morning -- at the same time as it was airing on TV in the US. But the version Chinese viewers saw cut more than five minutes out of the new episode,... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/best-bit-game-thrones-season-premiere-was-censored-china/article/3006407?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/best-bit-game-thrones-season-premiere-was-censored-china/article/3006407?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Apr 2019 13:44:02 +0000 Tencent is bringing some of the biggest IPs to mobile this year, recently releasing the trailers for Call of Duty Mobile and a Game of Thrones smartphone game. But Chinese gamers are far from thrilled. Why? Take Call of Duty Mobile. It’s a free-to-play game developed by Activision Blizzard and Tencent’s own Timi Studio. But gamers seem to believe that Timi Studio’s involvement will only lower the game’s quality. “Timi! It has ruined quite a number of games 😭. Maybe you can leave COD alone…” one... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/tencent-has-call-duty-and-game-thrones-gamers-dont-care/article/3003365?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/tencent-has-call-duty-and-game-thrones-gamers-dont-care/article/3003365?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:01:12 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Tencent is bringing some of the biggest IPs to mobile this year, recently releasing the trailers for Call of Duty Mobile and a Game of Thrones smartphone game. But Chinese gamers are far from thrilled. Why? Take Call of Duty Mobile. It’s a free-to-play game developed by Activision Blizzard and Tencent’s own Timi Studio. But gamers seem to believe that Timi Studio’s involvement will only lower the game’s quality. “Timi! It has ruined quite a number of... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029243/tencent-has-call-duty-and-game-thrones-gamers-dont-care?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3029243/tencent-has-call-duty-and-game-thrones-gamers-dont-care?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:01:12 +0000