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Netflix Unveils Interactive Game, Thronglets, Tied to Black Mirror
Netflix has launched an interactive game titled Thronglets, inspired by the seventh episode of the latest season of Black Mirror. This game merges elements reminiscent of classic games like Tamagotchi and Pokémon, presenting deep, philosophical themes that align well with the series’ tone. Thronglets was developed by Night School Studio, a team noted for their work on Oxenfree, a studio that Netflix acquired in 2021. Sean Krankel, founder of Night School Studio, remarked on the collaboration, stating that their focus on narrative gameplay complemented Netflix’s commitment to supporting a variety of storytelling voices.
In Black Mirror, Thronglets serves a crucial role in the narrative of episode seven, intertwining with the lore established in Netflix’s earlier interactive feature, Bandersnatch. The game is based on a fictional title from Tuckersoft, a gaming company highlighted in the show. This lost game, which was abandoned in 1994, invites players to hatch, nurture, and evolve creatures known as Thronglets. These digital beings require care, including feeding, bathing, and entertaining, all while reproducing at an astonishing rate. Netflix emphasizes that the game transcends mere creature management; it is designed to prompt players to contemplate the darker facets of human nature and the repercussions of our digital fixation.
As players cultivate groups of Thronglets, referred to as a Throng, they unlock segments of a documentary titled Ritman Retrospective. This multimedia experience includes interviews with Tuckersoft’s lead Mohan Thakur, portrayed by Asim Chaudhry, and the game’s creator Colin Ritman, played by Will Poulter. Upon completing the game, participants receive a personality assessment that can be shared on social media platforms. Thronglets, like other games from Netflix, is available free of charge through the Netflix app on both iOS and Android for subscribers. This release follows the departure of Mike Verdu, Netflix’s former head of gaming, and the company’s recent strategic shift towards party-oriented and narrative-driven games. The new season of Black Mirror debuted on the streaming platform today.
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www.engadget.com