A Lannister always pays his debts they say in the hit TV show "Game of Thrones."

That debt can be more easily paid off if it's free and especially if "Game of Thrones" fans are playing Telltale's video game series of the show.

Telltale Games, in partnership with HBO Global, is making the first episode of its Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series free for download across all major consoles and mobile devices. The first episode, titled Iron From Ice, normally costs $4.99, but now fans of the show can try out the game too without having their cards charged before the release of the next season in 2016.

Well-received by video game reviewers, Iron From Ice takes gamers from being mere spectators of the popular TV show to players in its fantasy world. As Cersei Lannister infamously said, "When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." In this game, gamers play to protect the reputation and the survival of their "family", House Forrester.

There is quite a heavy dose of violence in both the books and TV series of "Game of Thrones," but the parlay of dialogue between characters weighs heavier in determining who gets to keep their heads. This emphasis on talking makes up much of the gameplay in Iron From Ice. Say the wrong thing to Joffrey and it's off with your head. Break a promise to Littlefinger and be forever ruined. Fail to find favor with Cersei or other powerful ladies and you'll fail to find help when you need it most.

One of the best parts of this game series based on the "Game of Thrones" is actually chatting with the well-known characters who are actually voiced by the actual actors and actresses of the TV show. To be part of major events from the show and fighting in familiar battles all while hearing the actor's voices can actually make gamers feel part of the show.

Winter is actually coming though so Telltale Games also teased that the series finale of the game, Episode 6: The Ice Dragon, will be released on Nov. 17 for every gamer on every kind of device. For fans who can't wait for the next season of the show next year, Telltale's offerings should provide plenty of distraction.

Photo: Maria Morri | Flickr