2025-04-09T21:56:28Z

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A sequel to a cherished anthology TV episode may initially appear to be nothing more than a commercial tactic; however, when it comes to Charlie Brooker's latest creation in Black Mirror Season 7, skepticism gives way to delight. This season delivers not one but two compelling stories, including a follow-up titled "USS Callister: Into Infinity," which revisits the beloved Star Trek parody from Season 4. Alongside this, the episode "Plaything" emerges as a thought-provoking sci-fi tragedy that revisits the timeline established in the interactive special Bandersnatch, now featuring a fresh gamified twist.

While the exhilarating experience of Bandersnatch's violent and interactive choose-your-own-adventure format may be unmatched, Brooker wisely opts not to replicate it. Instead, he reintroduces the grandiose video game programmer Colin Ritman, portrayed by Will Poulter, providing viewers with another opportunity to delve into the realm of science fiction dystopias through the lens of gaming. Unlike Bandersnatch, the episode "Plaything" does not demand active participation from the audience; however, it coincides with the launch of a fully developed mobile game, Thronglets, which is intricately linked to the narrative at the heart of the episode. When experienced together, these two components create a harmonious synergy that surpasses the notion of a mere promotional tie-in, marking a significant step forward for Netflix Games.

Written by Brooker and directed by David Slade, known for his work on Bandersnatch and 30 Days of Night, "Plaything" centers around a young games journalist from the 1990s, Cameron Walker, played by Lewis Gribben. He is invited to preview Ritmans latest creation. However, as Ritman reveals in a private setting, his new title, Thronglets, defies traditional classification as a "game." There are no specific objectives, no clear victories. Instead, as Ritman elucidates, Thronglets exists as life and not merely as code. Walker quickly realizes that his role as a caretaker for the tiny, furry yellow beings transcends a typical gaming experience; he is not just playing, he is acting as a god.

Brooker artfully depicts Walker's transformation from a reserved gamer to the overseer of his own throng through a series of flashbacks. In a gripping twist set in 2034, an older Walker, played by the distinguished Peter Capaldi, finds himself under arrest for an unsolved murder. He seizes this opportunity to narrate his life's story to the police, providing context for the series of events that led to his current predicament. Slade masterfully balances the narrative's tension and rhythm, employing a heavy metal score that resonates with the unsettling essence of Bandersnatch. As Walker becomes increasingly obsessed with nurturing his throngrequiring him to dismantle generations of gaming consoles for components to construct a supercomputerthe viewer is drawn into his spiraling paranoia that something catastrophic may occur. This time, the audience does not hold the reins to the narrative, and Slade keeps us ensnared within Walker's troubled psyche.

A fascinating aspect of "Plaything" is the collaboration between Brooker and Night School, an independent game studio acquired by Netflix in 2021, to create a functional version of Thronglets. The experience of managing a constantly expanding throng mirrors Walker's own mind-bending journey. Players begin with a singular furry yellow creature that requires basic necessities like food, water, and toys. Success in fulfilling these needs allows the initial thronglet to bud off and create more thronglets, who navigate the pixelated landscape in search of their essentials while questioning their existence. Tap quickly enough to cultivate apple trees, install bathtubs, and build playgrounds, and the throng will thriveuntil their needs inevitably evolve.

As the narrative progresses in "Plaything," Walker gains the ability to communicate with his primitive throng. They seek sustenance and shelter, but they also yearn for purpose and meaning. Night School's playable version of Thronglets does not demand players to integrate the game's concepts into their minds to interpret the throngs' language; rather, the throngs are clear in their desire for guidance from their supreme being. Unlike conventional life simulation games, Thronglets incorporates a compelling narrative layer, presenting players with dialogues that offer choices to be either a benevolent or tyrannical master. Players can choose to convey the significance of love and family or take a callous approach that risks alienating their throng.

During one of its most ingenious moments, "Plaything" pays homage to the history of tormenting Sims by trapping them in spaces devoid of doors or building pools without laddersan act that catalyzes Walker's descent into madness. The playable game Thronglets similarly excels in delivering self-reflective twists that keep players engaged. The frantic pace of throng activities can become overwhelming, making it challenging to play while simultaneously watching Black Mirror. Yet, like Walker, I found myself inadvertently invested in safeguarding those endearing little yellow beings as they multiplied and suffered within the industrial environments created to harvest resources. I couldn't shake the feeling of loss as our idyllic home transformed into a mechanized wasteland, capable of processing nuclear materials, yet I was also curious to see where the narrative would lead.

Night School has crafted Thronglets to avoid becoming a full-fledged Tamagotchi-like obligation, allowing players to disengage without jeopardizing the lives of their thronglets. However, I do recommend activating notifications to fully immerse yourself in the existential rollercoaster; after neglecting the game for a couple of days, I began receiving notifications from my throng pleading for assistance. It's a dark yet compelling twist, and true to the Black Mirror ethos, the story only deepens in darkness as it progresses.

Sean Krankel, the founder of Night School and Netflixs current head of Narrative Games, has hinted that viewers who watch "Plaything" and play Thronglets might discover interconnections between the two experiences. A Netflix account is required to enjoy the free-to-download game. Even for those who may not fully engage with both the episode and the game, participating in either will provide a profound sense of connectivity. Created in tandem, "Plaything" and Thronglets feel like two integral halves of a larger narrative; the episode sets the scene while Thronglets plunges players headfirst into its world.

Much like Bandersnatch, the combination of episodic storytelling and interactive gameplay pushes the boundaries of what a streaming service can offer, showcasing a unique opportunity for innovation beyond the confines of traditional television. During this years Game Developers Conference, Netflix reiterated its commitment to hosting major gaming titles, including the renowned Grand Theft Auto series, alongside investing in multiplayer games reminiscent of Jackbox. However, the third category that intertwines gaming with linear television through interactive storytelling holds immense potential. With this venture, Brooker appears poised to continue experimenting with narrative structures. The future of storytelling on Netflix may hinge on the success of projects like the upcoming Love Is Blind video game, as Colin Ritman astutely remarks in "Plaything," ultimately, gaming for most individuals is a matter of financial gain.

Black Mirror Season 7 is now available for streaming on Netflix, and Thronglets is ready for players to dive into today.