In season 7 of “Black Mirror,” the episode titled “Plaything” serves as an homage to or perhaps a retelling of Charlie Brooker’s experiences as a video game journalist during the 1990s. Brooker, who wrote for the gaming magazine PC Zone, had previously reviewed a life simulation game called “Creatures.” According to Brooker, the autobiographical elements end there, as the storyline then diverges into more horrific developments. The protagonist in the episode encounters a character portrayed by Poulter, who ushers him into a dark and unsettling journey. Brooker aimed to contrast the episode’s cute aesthetic with dark and disturbing themes.
A depiction of a games journalist in the show—characterized as a greasy, socially awkward white male—falls into a parody that some may find painfully stereotypical. However, this portrayal aligns with Brooker’s exploration of his past in the gaming industry.
This episode was not the first time Krankel proposed a collaboration to Brooker; past suggestions were met with a lukewarm response. Brooker, however, questioned his supposed disinterest. The episode features a game reminiscent of a “Tamagotchi gone wrong” life simulation, a concept with which Night School Studio found resonance.
The game “Thronglets,” sharing its name across both real life and the episode, draws comparisons to games like “Stardew Valley” and “Zoo Tycoon.” Players are tasked with raising small, yellow creatures called thronglets, maintaining their cleanliness, happiness, and nourishment. However, the game’s complexity escalates rapidly, as neglect leads to the thronglets’ decline in wellbeing.
Krankel highlights a key philosophy noted by Brooker: “Thronglets are adorable and horrible.” The game encourages players to develop affection for these creatures as they multiply, though they ultimately serve as a reflective extension of the player.
The new season of “Black Mirror” premieres on April 10 on Netflix. While Krankel provided limited information on how “Thronglets” integrates into the “Plaything” episode, he hinted at interactive elements that connect the game with the show.
