The Game of Thrones Fan Experience of Your Dreams
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Dozens of people waited outside, and the line wrapped around the block. All everyone wanted to do was step inside Westeros — in Austin, TX.
HBO hosted a three-part Game of Thrones fan experience at South by Southwest called SXSWesteros, and boy, was it cool. The exhibit was an homage to Arya Stark's early days of sword training and let fans test out their own sword-handling skills. Check out the pictures ahead, and while you're at it, rewatch the trailer for season five coming in April.
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First, fans had their picture taken and saw it projected onto a 10-foot screen. Then, they used a replica of Arya's wooden training sword to virtually strike targets on the screen; the faster and more accurate the strike, the more the graphics would burst apart to create a Game of Thrones-style self-portrait that they could share on social.
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Of course, there was also an Iron Throne where fans sat for a photo op.
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The only thing that made the experience better? Getting a sample of the Game of Thrones beer called Three-Eyed Raven. It's a Dark Saison ale that will be sold nationwide starting April 6. Considering how good last year's SXSW Game of Thrones experience was, we can't wait to see what 2016 has to offer.