Netflix has expanded its interactive entertainment offerings with the release of “Thronglets,” a mobile game directly tied to the seventh season of its acclaimed anthology series “Black Mirror,” which premiered this Thursday.
Direct Connection to the Show’s Narrative
Unlike previous Netflix gaming ventures, “Thronglets” represents the streaming giant’s first mobile game specifically designed as a narrative extension of a “Black Mirror” episode. The game is a spin-off of the episode titled “Plaything,” creating a more immersive experience for fans of the dystopian series.
Gameplay Experience
Developed by Netflix’s Night School Studio, “Thronglets” challenges players to care for virtual yellow pets with survival as the primary objective. The gameplay becomes progressively more complex as these digital creatures breed when adequately nurtured. Players can guide their pets to:
- Gather essential resources
- Research new technologies
- Explore uncharted territories
- Unlock helpful tools and structures to accelerate advancement
The game design appears to mirror the sometimes unsettling and thought-provoking themes that Black Mirror is known for, potentially blurring the line between entertainment and commentary on our relationship with technology.
Part of Netflix’s Refined Gaming Strategy
The release of “Thronglets” coincides with Netflix’s strategic pivoting in gaming. According to reporting by TechCrunch, Netflix is refining its previously scattered gaming approach into four focused categories:
- Narrative games connected to Netflix original programming
- Children’s games for younger subscribers
- Party games designed for social play
- Mainstream games with broad appeal, which may include both licensed properties and original content
Jeet Shroff, Netflix’s vice president of game technology and portfolio development, confirmed this strategic shift during a recent presentation at the Game Developers Conference (GDC).
Availability
“Thronglets” is currently available for iOS and Android devices and is accessible exclusively to Netflix subscribers as part of their existing membership benefits.
This release represents a significant step in Netflix’s evolving approach to interactive entertainment, potentially signaling more integrated gaming experiences tied to its original programming in the future.
