Digital Platforms: Game of Thrones

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From its humble beginnings as an HBO show, Game of Thrones has become a can’t-miss phenomenon that pierced the hearts of countless viewers. Set in the fictional world of Westeros, the show tells the story of noble families fighting over the Iron Throne, going beyond sword fights, nakedness, and intrigue to present an archetypal story of the quest for power.

In the digital age, the quest for power follows a similar path. Key players are battling each other to not only stay relevant but command the highest percentage of your attention. 

Here’s my analysis of the key players (both dead and alive) in the Game of (Digital) Thrones:

Cersei Lannister -- Google

Already ruling Westeros (aka the digital landscape) with an iron fist, Google is smart, cunning, and ambitious. It has a complete monopoly over search and knows everything that subjects (aka users) do.

Sir Jamie Lannister -- YouTube

When it comes to video, YouTube truly is the Kingslayer. YouTube has been at the forefront of the digital advertising battles representing “House Google,” defeating weaker contenders like Flickr, MetaCafe, etc. 

Daenerys Targaryen -- Amazon

Breaker of chains, Khaleesi Amazon has grown its regime by acquiring armies of technologies with its dragons: Drogon (Amazon Prime), Rhaegal (Media/Video), and Viserion (Amazon Private Label).

Tyrion Lannister -- Amazon Alexa

A newer member to team Amazon (although not the newest), Alexa is the hand of the queen, making sound recommendations to benefit Khaleesi Amazon and helping conquer the world one private-label product at a time.

Bran Stark -- Facebook

Flying slightly under the radar, Bran isn’t without his faults and accepts his limitations. Facebook knows all, sees all, and has an important role to play in the battle to come. 

Jon Snow -- Instagram

The bastard son of Facebook, Instagram is now the “king in the north” or as we like to say, ruler of all things visual. With a large following, Instagram had to wait its time and win over folks with its mobile-first approach.

Petyr Baelish -- Apple

Apple also knows all and sees all but keeps that information to itself, waiting for the right time to monopolize the information it holds. Apple is a force to be reckoned with.

Ollena Tyrell -- Netflix

Focused on the greater good of the Netflix family, Ollena is strategic, wise, forward-looking, and playing the long game. 

Sansa Stark -- Snapchat

A young, once naïve platform, Snapchat is on its way to becoming a poised player and making some strategic moves to advance its position.

Arya Stark -- Spotify

Young, willful, but very intelligent, Spotify is the “rebel” platform with advanced sparring (aka audience targeting) skills.

Many Faced God -- WeChat

The platform from a far-away land, WeChat plays many roles in the Chinese market including e-commerce and messaging. From video to Venmo, WeChat truly does have many faces. 

Theon Greyjoy -- Twitter

A once-powerful force ruling over Winterfell, Twitter has lost its way and is stumbling across lands to try and make it in the big leagues.

While each one of the players is unique and has his or her moments, it remains to be seen who will survive the war to come and be crowned the king or queen of Westeros.