After the success of GAME OF THRONES, HBO were expected to make another big hit. While the channel isn`t shy when it comes to critically acclaimed shows that attract millions of viewers, such as TRUE BLOOD and BOARDWALK EMPIRE, it needed it`s next major show. As GAME OF THRONES winds down, the new challenger has to appear and it is WESTWORLD. Based on the 1973 movie and produced by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, it`s set in a futuristic amusement park in which humans mingle with robots and live out their fantasies. Obviously taking place in a wild west area, the characters have to deal with morality, violence and actions without consequences, as anyone they hurt or kill isn`t real and so there are no punishments and people can live without inhibitions. It also highlights A.I. and how it can be misused and mistreated. Of course, the show aims to show how all of this is wrong and does it emotionally, showing the characters having trouble dealing with such things, as well as literally by having the robots become self aware and want revenge. Sci-fi and Westerns aren`t a new concept, even if you ignore the original WESTWORLD film. THE VALLEY OF GWANGI, while not retaining any real sci-fi aspects, but cowboys fighting dinosaurs falls under the blanket. FIREFLY and it`s movie sequel SERENITY are great examples of a space western, and even anime provided several examples with 90s classics such as COWBOY BEBOP, OUTLAW STAR and TRIGUN. It`s an interesting mix, as it takes a time when humans were starting to advance, but there was still so much unknown in the world, but then it`s combined with the far future and questions about the entire universe. The success of GAME OF THRONES cannot be understated. It`s one of the most watched shows in the world and merchandise is everywhere. You can walk into stores and find actions figures, books about the show, cups and glasses, posters, soundtrack albums, toys, statues, keyrings, props and much more. It even took over the world of video games, with several console releases based on the series, such as Telltale`s GAME OF THRONES and even mobile casino slots from Lucky Nugget, who offer slot machines with GAME OF THRONES themes, music, characters and images with thumb friendly design. With WESTWORLD being the next big thing, this is all likely to follow and we could soon be buying all kinds of merchandise including coloring books, ornaments and video and casino games based on the series. From Fantasy to sci-fi, HBO has it`s genres covered, and if WESTWORLD reaches the success of GAME OF THRONES, we could be seeing such shows for some time to come, and where they get their influences and ideas could soon turn to anime, comics and games.