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Ted Price, the creator and president of Insomniac Games, has announced his retirement following more than three decades of service to the company. Three new studio co-heads will take over for Price, who is credited with creating some of Insomniac Games’ most cherished IPs, including Resistance: Fall of Man, Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet and Clank, and Marvel’s Spider-Man.

Insomniac Games founder Ted Price is bidding adieu to the gaming world. | Credit: Sony.

Since its founding in 1994, Insomniac Games has grown to become one of the most successful game development companies. This reputation is mostly due to Insomniac’s long-standing collaboration with PlayStation, which, along with Ted Price’s inventiveness, has produced a number of enduring franchises.

Ted Price is retiring from Insomniac Games after over three decades of dedication to the company Price’s career at Insomniac is just legendary. | Credit: YouTube/IGN.

The president of Insomniac, Ted Price,...

The Game of Thrones universe boasts a myriad of formidable warriors. Howeve, only a select few are truly recognized as the greatest swordsmen and women of their era. While George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire features an extensive array of skilled fighters, the best swordsmen comprise many of the most iconic characters from the HBO adaptation that fans have come to admire.

Ranking Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon's best swordsmen involves more than just brute strength or speed; it also considers creativity, technique, and tactical skill. These talented men and women have made a lasting impact on audiences, showcasing their unique abilities and unforgettable moments throughout the series.

Updated by Arthur Goyaz on January 22, 2025: Some of Westeros' most impressive swordsmen were introduced in Game of Thrones. However, House of the Dragon offers a welcoming glimpse into a different era, ruled by the Targaryen dynasty.

Did Paddy Considine reject Game Of Thrones? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

When HBO was throwing dragons and swords at every actor they could find, Considine had the chance to join the Got madness. But instead of jumping in, he tossed the script aside without so much as a second glance. As he told The Sunday Times, “It’s about dragons. I went, ‘No thanks.’ I didn’t even read it.”

Yep, you read that right. Before Game of Thrones became the massive, water-cooler-shattering juggernaut we know today, Paddy Considine wasn’t sold on the whole “fantasy” thing. At the time, the show was still a huge gamble, and HBO was facing a world of doubt. Dragons? Medieval politics? Fantasy fandom? Considine was all, “Pass,” and it turned out to be a decision he’d laugh at years later.

Looking back, it seems wild. But back then, Game of Thrones was a massive risk for HBO.

Warning! This article contains minor spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2.

Lord Jason Lannister is the Great Grandfather of Tywin and Tyrion many generations over, playing a crucial role in both House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. A gap in the Lannister family tree between Jason's son, Loreon, and future descendant, Damon, makes it unclear how many generations separate the House of the Dragon twins with Tywin and Tyrion. Tyland Lannister had no children before his death, making him the great uncle of Tyrion and Tywin, though again, with many generations separating them.

Tyland and Jason Lannister are two important characters in House of the Dragon, leading many to wonder how they are related to Game of Thrones' Tywin and Tyrion. In House of the Dragon's cast, Tyland and Jason are played by the same actor, Jefferson Hall. The two are identical twins who serve as...

Spoiler Alert !!!Spoiler Warning for House of the Dragon S2 Finale

Following the success of HBO’s Game of Thrones, the hype for Ryan Condal’s House of the Dragon appeared to be unprecedented. Well, obviously, being familiar with George R.R. Martin’s universe helped people connect with the new show even more. On that note, let’s take a look at how Matt Smith’s prequel took the story to the next level, by bringing in some of the most iconic scenes in the Season 2 finale.

A still from House of the Dragon season 2 | HBO

From surprising people with its narrative choices, and paving the way for more fire and blood to come in season 3, the House of the Dragon S2 finale brought some of the most epic twists and unforgettable recollections from Game of Thrones.

Well, you read it right, Daemon Targaryen had a vision of Daenerys Targaryen...

Warning: Contains major Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2's finale.

House of the Dragon confirms Brynden Rivers as the Three-Eyed Raven. Brynden Rivers, or Bloodraven, was one of the Great Bastards of King Aegon IV Targaryen, and was born around 45 years after the Dance of the Dragons. Bloodraven has been theorized to be the Three-Eyed Raven, or Crow, at least since A Dance with Dragons.

House of the Dragon's season 2 finale reveals the identity of the Three-Eyed Raven to be Brynden Rivers, confirming a theory that first stemmed from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books. The Three-Eyed Raven - or Three-Eyed Crow, in the books - is one of the most mysterious and powerful characters in Game of Thrones. While he helps Bran Stark learn to use his greensight and, eventually, is replaced by him, little is ever revealed about his origin.

This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8.

A line of dialogue near the end of the House of the Dragon season 2 finale betrays that the show has gotten a little too high on its own supply.

In what amounts to the climactic moment of the episode, if not the entire series thus far, two former childhood friends and current queens have a simple discussion in a candle-lit chamber on Dragonstone. Alicent (Olivia Cooke) has had enough of this war and she has a proposal to her rival Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) to end all of the death and destruction. Alicent and her daughter Helaena (Phia Saban) will simply depart King’s Landing and leave the Red Keep door open behind them so Rhaenyra’s forces can swoop in, occupy the Iron Throne, and declare victory. Naturally Alicent’s eldest son King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) will have...

Vermithor is also known as the Bronze Fury in House of the Dragon, leaving many to wonder why he sports that nickname in-universe.

House of the Dragon introduced Vermithor in Season 1 when Daemon went down to the Dragonmont to sing a High Valyrian song to him.

The Bronze Fury then stayed hidden under the grounds of Dragonstone until he was called by Rhaenyra and eventually claimed by Hugh Hammer in Season 2, Episode 7.

Read full article on The Direct.

House of the Dragon Season 2 offers clarity and detail for Fire & Blood readers, confirming theories and revealing new information. Saera Targaryen's rebellious nature and scandalous life create drama and intrigue within the Targaryen family. The mystery of Saera's hidden children, like Hugh Hammer, adds depth to the Targaryen lineage and dragonrider lore.

The following contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 7, "The Red Sowing," which premiered Sunday, July 28 on HBO.

House of the Dragon Season 2 has been a fantastic source of information for Fire & Blood readers that were unsatisfied with the book's vagueness. George R. R. Martin liked to keep things open for interpretation for the readers, but that's not enough for House of the Dragon. In Season 2, Episode 7, "The Red Sowing," the series nearly confirms that Saera Targaryen is the mother of one of the dragonseeds Rhaenyra recruits.

Some of House of the Dragon's claims contradict Fire & Blood's legitimacy entirely,...

Warning: contains Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7, and George R. R. Martin's book Fire & Blood.

House of the Dragon raises questions about whether only Valyran blood can claim dragons. Targaryens were the only dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria. Dragonseeds, allegedly Targaryen bastards, can become dragonriders.

Rhaenyras plan to turn Targaryen bastards and people who may not have thick Valyrian blood into dragonriders in House of the Dragon raises the question of whether only Targaryens can claim dragons. House of the Dragon, which is based on George R.R. Martins Fire & Blood, takes place at the height of House Targaryens power. The power and influence of the House of the Dragon would never be the same after the Dance of Dragons, though, during which the Targaryen beasts were forced to fight amongst themselves as Rhaenyra and Aegon II battled for the throne.

Although both Rhaenyra...

PlayStation Plus is adding the classic PS2 game Sly Cooper to its Premium tier. The game's unique combination of platforming and stealth gameplay still holds up. There's hope for the sequels to join the roster of Ps Classics titles available through emulation.

One of the best PS2 games is coming to PlayStation Plus on June 11. The Premium tier of Sony's subscription has a catalog of games that builds upon the PS4 and PS5 roster seen in the other tiers, with streaming for PS3 games and Classics titles covering the PS1, PSP, and PS2 era via emulation, making games from every era accessible to players on modern consoles.

Many Ps Classics titles come with additional features through their emulation, including upgraded graphics, a quick save feature, the ability to rewind, custom video filters, and trophies, bringing beloved titles from past generations closer to an experience that modern gamers expect.

As...

Here’s How House Of The Dragon Characters Are Connected To Game Of Thrones Characters ( Photo Credit – IMDb )

The House of the Dragon Season 2 trailer has left everyone waiting eagerly for what’s to come, and before it’s here, let’s brush your knowledge on it in connection to Game of Thrones. Firstly, the series is set over 150 years before Game of Thrones took place. Therefore, the characters from Got might not appear in this spin-off, but the houses in Got are also present in the Hotd. The show’s primary focus is the Targaryens and their downfall, but other Houses have appeared in the first season, and more will be seen in the upcoming one. From Lannisters to Baratheons and Starks, here’s a quick guide.

The first season of the HBO series was just a tease and had set the stage for the Dance of the Dragons to begin.

Clockwise from top left: John Wick: Chapter 2 (Lionsgate), Enter The Dragon (Warner Bros.), Rush Hour 2 (Warner Bros.), Bloodsport (Warner Bros.), Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (Disney)Graphic: AVClub

Hollywood was not ready for Bruce Lee. When Enter The Dragon hit theaters 50 years ago, in...

Bruce Lee’s most iconic Enter the Dragon scene actually faced opposition from the actor himself. In addition to being the most memorable part of the 1973 martial arts classic, the final battle with Han is remembered as one of the best fight scenes in Bruce Lee’s career. At the end of the movie, Lee’s character and Enter the Dragon’s main villain famously faced off in the latter’s mirror room.

Enter the Dragon’s ending deviated from the standard, one-on-one showdowns that typically wrap up kung fu movies. By using a room full of mirrors, Enter the Dragon created a very different kind of battle for its big finale. Since the presence of so many mirrors obscured Han’s real location, Lee struggled to pinpoint his whereabouts, creating what was almost a game of cat-and-mouse. Lee had to rely on his senses and instincts to figure out...

The Wheel of Time has added four new cast members for season 2. The series, which premiered on Prime Video in 2021, is a fantasy epic based on the novel series of the same name by Robert Jordan. It follows Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike), who is searching for the mythical figure The Dragon Reborn along with a wide ensemble of characters.

During a virtual panel on Saturday at JordanCon, Prime Video announced that they are adding four new cast members to The Wheel of Time season 2, all playing various characters from the novels. This includes Ragga Ragnars as Maiden of the Spear Bain and Maja Simonsen as her first-sister Chiad. Also on hand are Jay Duffy as Children of the Light officer Dain Bornhald and Rima Te Wiata as the powerful Aes Sedai Sheriam Bayanar.

Where You Know The New Wheel of Time Cast Members

The new cast member that is likely...

Warning! This article contains major Spoilers for George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood!One notable character highlighted in Rhaenyra’s traumatizing birth scene from House of the Dragon’s season 1 finale will have a brutal ending that connects back to this moment. Much like Game of Thrones, the vast majority of House of the Dragon’s characters will meet horrible demises, with no discrimination between major and supporting players. Even those who survive the Dance of the Dragons will not be spared tragedy or brutality, which includes a loyal figure close to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Rhaenyra’s traumatizing birth scene in House of the Dragon’s season 1 finale is already one of the most tragic and horrifying moments in the Game of Thrones prequel series, as Rhaenyra went into labor early after hearing of her father’s death and her brother’s usurpation of the Iron Throne. House of the Dragon...

Warning! This article contains major Spoilers for House of the Dragon and George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood!House Stark is no stranger to rebellion in Game of Thrones’ history, but Jon Snow’s most unforgivable act of defiance betrayed the legacy left by the honorable Ned and Cregan Stark. Game of Thrones often emphasizes the importance of familial legacies and maintaining the values of one’s house, with Jon Snow eventually being caught between loyalties to his Stark and Targaryen heritage. While Jon Snow lived his life in Game of Thrones trying to emulate the code of honor, respect, and leadership displayed by Ned Stark, Jon was stripped of this reputation when killing Queen Daenerys Targaryen.

With Lord Cregan Stark set to appear in House of the Dragon season 2, House Stark's history will be better explored in the prequel series. Many comparisons will be drawn between House of...

Warning! This article contains Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 and George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood!The original plan for Aegon’s coronation scene in House of the Dragon season 1, episode 9 proves the show failed Rhaenys Targaryen’s character. One of the most epic yet morally shocking moments in House of the Dragon season 1 was when Rhaenys made a grand escape from the Dragonpit on Meleys. After being held captive in King's Landing, Rhaenys interrupted King Aegon II Targaryen’s coronation by crashing through the Dragonpit, which sent the area into disarray and killed numerous civillians. Rhaenys spared Alicent and Aegon by only making her dragon Meleys screech at them, after which time she flew to Dragonstone to join Queen Rhaenyra’s Black party.

Originally, however, Aegon's coronation in House of the Dragon was supposed to go down differently. As for whether the changes to the original plan were justified,...

Warning! Spoilers for House of the Dragon ahead!Matt Smith plays the Daemon Targaryen House of the Dragon character, but why has his casting (and appearance) in the Game of Thrones prequel caused division among fans? Based on George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, which is written as an in-universe history detailing the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros, House of the Dragon takes place 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Centering on King Viserys I Targaryen, the fifth Targaryen King, it will ultimately lead to the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, with Daemon Targaryen a key participant in this war. The Matt Smith Game of Thrones spinoff character, regarded as one of the best and most fierce warriors of the age, leads from the front during the tensions between the Hightower-led Greens and the Targaryen loyalist Blacks, and it's into this role that Matt Smith has stepped.

Warning! This article contains major Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 and George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood!Considering Ned Stark was the face of honor in Game of Thrones, the Targaryen he would support in House of the Dragon’s civil war is significant to the themes that underscore the Dance of the Dragon’s division. House of the Dragon’s war will split the realm between loyalties to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, the declared heir of the late Viserys, and her younger half-brother King Aegon II Targaryen, who usurped the Iron Throne by claiming the right of male-preference primogeniture. As the Dance of the Dragons unfolds, the noble houses of Westeros will declare for either the Blacks or Greens based on honoring oaths, loyalty to Viserys’ memory, the precedent set for male primogeniture, or whoever offers the best deal.

While House Stark has yet to declare for...

Here's how many cities Daenerys conquered in Game of Thrones throughout its 8 season run, and how she did it. Played by Emilia Clarke, Daenerys Targaryen was one of the leading protagonists in HBO's Game of Thrones, right up until she wasn't. Daenerys is introduced as a relatively timid character in season 1, living in the shadow of her arrogant brother, whose sole mission is to restore House Targaryen to the Iron Throne of Westeros, removing the Baratheon usurper. Three dragon eggs later, Daenerys comes into her own and takes the will of the Targaryen bloodline upon herself. Rather than just restore her family's honor, however, Daenerys seeks to forge an entirely new path. The series famously saw Daenerys take Meereen, among many other cities, and she famously led the Game of Thrones slave army to various victories.

House of the Dragon has shown how powerful the Targaryen's are, and Daenerys honors her ancestors in this regard.

Warning: contains Spoilers for House of the Dragon!

The success of House of the Dragon despite its brazen showcase of incestuous relationships proves to be good news for the growing Dune franchise, which could include its own incest plot line. House of the Dragon's most prominent incestuous relationship is between Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), an uncle-niece married couple in pursuit of the Iron Throne. In Dune, psychically-linked fraternal twins Leto II and Ghanima marry each other to help fulfill a prophecy known as the "Golden Path," which promises to save humanity from extinction. The Golden Path is introduced in Children of Dune, the third installment of the Dune series.

Both House of the Dragon and Dune are adapted from fantastical book franchises with a powerful legacy and target very similar audience demographics. Therefore, House of the Dragon could indicate how audiences react to the controversial...

Warning! This article contains Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 and George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood!Laenor Velaryon’s survival twist makes another potential death fakeout in House of the Dragon more likely, but would ruin a key story. House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin’s book, Fire & Blood, which is a historical account of House Targaryen’s reign in Westeros. The book is told by unreliable narrators, meaning not every story or character's conclusion is accurate. This was certainly the case for Laenor Velaryon’s ending in House of the Dragon; the book suggested he was murdered by Qarl Correy at the order of Daemon Targaryen, but the series revealed that he faked his death and fled Westeros with Qarl.

House of the Dragon’s shocking Laenor twist gives more weight to speculation about another character’s secret survival, which would have far more devastating consequences.

Warning! This article contains major Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 and George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood!Considering Game of Thrones’ Targaryens make no mention of Aegon’s dream, whether Rhaenyra is able to pass on the prophecy to her heirs in House of the Dragon remains a mystery. Despite the fact that Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen fulfill Aegon’s Song of Ice and Fire prophecy in Game of Thrones’ ending, Dany was unaware of the Conqueror’s dream. As King Viserys I explains to Rhaenyra, the prophecy was meant to be passed from every Targaryen ruler to their heir until the White Walkers came. But, House of the Dragon’s Targaryen civil war and unexpected deaths suggest Aegon’s dream becomes lost for a period after Rhaenyra’s demise.

However, House of the Dragon has hinted that Rhaenyra eventually informs her children of Aegon’s dream,...

Warning! Spoilers for House of the Dragon and Fire & Blood.The inclusion of Jeyne Arryn in House of the Dragon's future is imminent, given the important role she will serve in the Westerosi civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Upon King Viserys' death, the split between the "Black" and "Green" factions officially forms when the Hightowers initiate the crowning of Queen Alicent's eldest son, Aegon. The Green faction consists of the party in favor of King Aegon II's reign and is named as such for the wartime symbolism of the color green for Oldtown, the Hightowers' seat. The Blacks, meanwhile, consist of Viserys' named successor Rhaenyra Targaryen, along with her allies.

One such Black ally who is yet to come is Jeyne Arryn, the Lady of the Eyrie. Queen Rhaenyra tasks her sons Lucerys and Jacaerys to win houses over in her favor. While this mission dooms...

Warning! This article contains major Spoilers for House of the Dragon's season 1 finale and George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood!

Daemon’s act of violence against Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon’s season 1 finale is just a glimpse of what will lead to his worst crime. House of the Dragon has established Daemon Targaryen as its most prominent anti-hero, with Viserys’ younger brother rarely hesitating to commit horrible acts of violence. After killing his wife Rhea Royce, beheading Vaemond Velaryon, and grooming his teenage niece, Daemon’s villainy was only redeemable through his love for his brother and family. While it seemed that Daemon would never stoop to harming his wife, a shocking twist occurs when he takes out his anger and grief on Rhaenyra by choking her, setting a precedent for Daemon before House of the Dragon’s most agonizing scene.

Choking Rhaenyra is just the...

Warning! This article contains major Spoilers for Grrm's Fire & Blood book and House of the Dragon season 1, episode 9!Otto Hightower’s brutal plan to kill Rhaenyra and Daemon completely reverses his one redeeming political moment in House of the Dragon, revealing he has never wavered on his manipulative path. Directly following King Viserys' death, Hand of the King Otto Hightower sets his long-laid plan in motion to usurp the Iron Throne and crown Aegon II Targaryen as King. In a nonchalant manner, Otto devises that they must kill both Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen to prevent any significant contest to Aegon’s reign. Not coincidentally, this murderous plan was the same fear tactic Otto originally used to convince his daughter Alicent to betray Rhaenyra.

Once Aegon was born in House of the Dragon, the self-serving and scheming Otto laid secret plans to place his grandson on the throne over Rhaenyra. To...

Like its predecessor Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon has a large cast of characters, with episodes often jumping from one location to another.

Sometimes, entire episodes will go by without one of the “main” characters featuring at all.

However, there is one character who has, it turns out, appeared in every single episode of the season – and it’s not who you might expect.

On Twitter, the fan account “out of context House of the Dragon” pointed out that Ser Criston Cole – played by Fabien Frankel – is the only figure to appear in all 10 episodes.

Fans might have assumed it was Rhaenyra or Daemon Targaryen, but they were noticeably absent from episode nine, which centred on the coronation of King Aegon II.

Cole has also been played by Frankel throughout, while other, younger characters have been replaced by other actors as the series has undergone jumps in time.

Like its predecessor Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon has a large cast of characters, with episodes often jumping from one location to another.

Sometimes, entire episodes will go by without one of the “main” characters featuring at all.

However, there is one character who has, it turns out, appeared in every single episode of the season – and it’s not who you might expect.

On Twitter, the fan account “out of context House of the Dragon” pointed out that Ser Criston Cole – played by Fabien Frankel – is the only figure to appear in all 10 episodes.

Fans might have assumed it was Rhaenyra or Daemon Targaryen, but they were noticeably absent from episode nine, which centred on the coronation of King Aegon II.

Cole has also been played by Frankel throughout, while other, younger characters have been replaced by other actors as the series has undergone jumps in time.

Recently, CBS released the new, official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Person Of Interest" episode 21 of season 4. The episode is entitled, "Asylum," and it turns out that we're going to see very dramatic and intense stuff go down as a major war between Ne Poi's go down with Reese and Fusco stuck in the middle of it, and more! In the new, 21st episode press release: Reese And Fusco Are Caught In The Crosshairs Of A War Between Crime Bosses Who Are The Two New POIs. Press release number 2: Reese and Fusco will get caught in the war between the two newest POIs, rival crime bosses Elias (Enrico Colantoni) and Dominic (Winston Duke). Also, a tantalizing clue to Shaw's whereabouts, is going lead Finch and Root into a possible trap, and Control (Camryn Manheim) is going to go rogue to uncover the true intentions of the Samaritan program. Guest...