Overview
- Netflix has unveiled a companion mobile game titled Thronglets for its Black Mirror season 7 episode, Plaything, evoking nostalgia from the 1990s.
- The game, reminiscent of Tamagotchi, features strategic gameplay where players manage virtual pets with ominous twists.
- The Plaything episode centers around Cameron, portrayed by Peter Capaldi, whose fascination with a mysterious video game leads him into a chilling cold case.
The acclaimed series Black Mirror, which debuted in 2011, continues to challenge viewers with its unsettling explorations of modern society and technology. With the recent launch of its seventh season, Netflix has expanded this universe by introducing a unique companion mobile game linked to one of its episodes. As Netflix embraces the trend of diversifying its offerings with narrative-driven and party games, the new game cleverly taps into the nostalgia of the ’90s.
Originally airing on Channel 4 in the UK, Black Mirror has since become a staple of Netflix’s original content, captivating audiences with its blend of top-tier acting talent and haunting narratives. This anthology series features remarkable performances from stars like Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Jon Hamm, Will Poulter, and Josh Hartnett, establishing itself as one of Netflix’s most binged and discussed series. Its exploration of technological advancements through a dystopian lens has made it both a critical and commercial success.
The fourth episode of season 7, titled Plaything, draws inspiration from the iconic Tamagotchi and follows the story of Cameron, whose obsession with a cryptic video game leads him into the depths of a cold case investigation. The associated mobile game, Thronglets, combines village management mechanics with strategy, allowing players to care for virtual pets that can multiply in number. True to the Black Mirror style, these pets possess sentience, and their intentions often take a sinister turn.
Exploring Thronglets: Black Mirror’s Season 7 Mobile Game
download at your own riskhttps://t.co/R89MO8tmgT pic.twitter.com/rY6sFPynMr — Black Mirror (@blackmirror) April 10, 2025
The essence of Black Mirror lies in its unsettling portrayal of technology, and Thronglets promises to evoke that familiar unease in players. One troubling scenario showcased involves the pets’ unconventional approach to resource gathering: in an attempt to chop down trees, they opt for bones over axes. Players are then faced with a moral dilemma, challenging them to decide whether to sacrifice their Thronglets or choose a different path.
Throughout its seven seasons, Black Mirror has delivered a number of unforgettable episodes, such as the poignant San Junipero from season 3, the narrative of memory manipulation in The Entire History of You, featuring Toby Kebbell, and the satirical portrayal in Nosedive, starring Bryce Dallas Howard. The entirety of season 7 premiered on April 10, consisting of six captivating episodes, including a sequel to the beloved USS Callister, featuring the return of Cristin Milioti, who has recently gained acclaim for her role in DC’s The Penguin series.