HBO didn't learn this lesson until years later with HBO Max. But in 2012, the VODrip was the superior product. No buffering. No ads. No login gatekeeping. Just the file. You won't find "VODrip" labels on torrent sites much anymore. The term has largely been replaced by WEB-DL (Web Download) or WEBRip .
If you were on the internet in 2012, you didn't call it piracy. You called it "VODrip." game of thrones season 02 vodrip
If you lived in the UK, you had to wait 24 hours for Sky Atlantic. If you lived in Australia, you had to wait even longer. For fans in India, Southeast Asia, or South America, the show might not air for weeks. HBO didn't learn this lesson until years later with HBO Max