The video was uploaded to SkyTV ‘s and HBO’s YouTube channels on Friday, allowing non-subscribers to watch the full first episode in 1080p.

HBO has previously released debut episodes of its series, including House of the Dragon, as a means of building momentum.

The show, which has been critically lauded, airs weekly on Sky in the UK, and on HBO in other territories, both of which require a subscription.

“This marks the largest week two audience growth for an HBO Origin al drama series in the history of the network,” the company said on Monday.

“People see bad adaptations and it adds credence to the idea that games are childish,” Druckmann told The Hollywood Reporter.

“I love the idea that someone could watch this and be moved by it and then be like, ‘Wait, that’s based on the video game?’”