The legion of loyal fans of George R. R. Martin and his Song of Ice and Fire Saga have gotten good news today. After only one episode the Game of Throne tv show has been signed on for a second season.

The rating for Game of Thrones were not amazing, 2.2 million on its initial showing and 4.1 million over all three premiers, but they were good enough. GOT was outdone by Boardwalk Empire in its premier (4.81 million on its initial).

It comes as no surprise to many industry reporters as the examine the financial side of the show. The sets, costumes and so forth are so expensive for this debut season that HBO needs another season to make money, and is highly banking on the DVD box sets that will continue to generate revenue.

The second season will be based upon A Clash of Kings, the second book in the series.