Game of Thrones fans have lashed out at Australian pay television company Foxtel after technical glitches and “unprecedented” viewer demand saw its Foxtel Now on demand platform go into meltdown.
A rush for Foxtel Now subscriptions just prior to the season 7 launch crashed the system and some viewers were unable to watch the show or experienced severe glitches, with many taking to social media platforms to vent their dismay.
Fans stressed how they had “done the right thing” by actually paying for the content instead of using illegal download sites such as BitTorrent and Pirate Bay, but had come to regret the decision given Foxtel could not provide what they had paid for.
Tens of thousands around the world use illegal torrenting sites to share the content
Some have called for compensation.
"So much for our #GOT night @Foxtel... Tried paying you the money, can't even log in. Poor form. Back to the easier ways of watching in Aus," one tweet said.
"You try and do the right thing by NOT DOWNLOADING and you get screwed."
"And you advertised this premiere for the last six months yikes."
"15 minutes on pirate bay."
"Sorry isn't good enough. Considering you hold the monopoly on GOT in Australia you owe your customers compensation
Top torrent has about 12500 seeds. Took 15 minutes on a cable connection. GO!"
Foxtel was quick to respond online, stressing that it was saddened by the unexpected situation and that is was a global glitch.
We apologise & r doing everything we can to resolve probs with #FoxtelNow. We will keep you updated as we seek to resolve the problem pic.twitter.com/hCKp0DI95A
— Foxtel (@Foxtel) July 17, 2017
Foxtel released a statement last night saying that the Game of Thrones phenomenon had actually crashed sites across the globe – with websites crashing in the US and Latin America.
It said the show’s producer and US broadcaster HBO also reported its technical systems could not cope either.
Foxtel spokesman Bruce Meagher said: “We are devastated that some customers experienced technical issues tonight. As was the case in the US and Latin America, the unprecedented rush for a subscription just prior to the telecast, crashed the system.
“Foxtel engineers are working through the night to resolve the issue. It’s most unfortunate and we apologise to those affected. We are committed to resolving the technical faults immediately and together with our broadcast partners around the world, we are giving this the same degree of priority.
“We assure anyone impacted that they will be able to watch the first episode of Season 7 either On Demand or via one of our encore screenings throughout the week. We will continue to communicate with affected customers to ensure they are fully informed,” he said.
Foxtel (not redy) Now?
In a bid to keep up with the changing and challenging SVOD landscape, Foxtel revamped its content packages and entire brand in June this year. Complete with a new TV and logo, it rolled out plans to reposition Foxtel Play as Foxtel Now in a bid to take on Netflix and Stan and win over consumers on a tight budget.
The new service meant fans could subscribe to the $15 per month package and get access to the first Australian screenings of Game of Thrones.
"Good thing I bought Foxtel specifically for this occasion,” said one fan on Instagram.
“I try to do the right thing and get punished," said another.
Despite the online woes, some of those watching through the set top box - the majority of Foxtel's subcriber base - jumped to Foxtel's defence, saying it was a global issue.
“I keep telling people that only way to watch Foxtel is through the satellite service using the HD set top box - when will you all learn? Keep up the the good work Foxtel I had no hassles last night,” said one fan.
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