HBO Max has had a rocky start since its launch in May of 2020, and it seems that the streaming service’s problems are now impacting the development of Game of Thrones spin-off shows. According to author George R.R. Martin, none of the spin-offs in development have been greenlit yet.

This news will likely come as a disappointment to Game of Thrones fans, who have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of these new shows. The original series, which aired on HBO from 2011 to 2019, was a massive hit, attracting millions of viewers and earning numerous awards. In the years since the series ended, there has been much speculation about what form a Game of Thrones spin-off might take, with rumors ranging from a prequel set during the Age of Heroes to a sequel set in the far-flung future.

So what’s behind the delay in getting these spin-off shows off the ground? It seems that the problems at HBO Max are at least partly to blame. The streaming service has struggled to gain traction since its launch, and it has faced a number of challenges that have hindered its growth.

One major issue has been the lack of content available on the platform. While HBO Max has a number of exclusive shows and movies, it has struggled to compete with other streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which have vast libraries of content. This has made it difficult for HBO Max to attract and retain subscribers, and has likely played a role in the slow development of the Game of Thrones spin-offs.

Another problem facing HBO Max is the fact that it is only available in a limited number of countries. The streaming service is currently only available in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which limits its potential audience. This is in contrast to other streaming platforms like Netflix, which are available in virtually every country around the world.

In addition to these issues, HBO Max has also faced criticism for its pricing. The streaming service costs $14.99 per month, which is more expensive than many of its competitors. This has made it difficult for the platform to attract price-sensitive consumers, and has likely contributed to its slower-than-expected growth.

Given these challenges, it’s not surprising that the Game of Thrones spin-offs have yet to be greenlit. It’s possible that HBO Max is hesitant to invest in new shows until it has a stronger foundation and a larger subscriber base. This could mean that it will be some time before we see any new Game of Thrones-related content on the streaming service.

However, it’s important to note that George R.R. Martin’s comments about the spin-offs being in limbo do not necessarily mean that they have been completely abandoned. It’s possible that HBO Max is simply taking a cautious approach and waiting for the right time to move forward with the shows.

In the meantime, Game of Thrones fans will have to be patient and wait for more news about the future of the franchise. While it’s disappointing that the spin-offs have not yet been greenlit, there is still hope that they may eventually come to fruition. Until then, fans can rewatch the original series or read the books to get their Game of Thrones fix.