Netflix has released a new mobile game alongside the premiere of Black Mirror Season 7, offering fans an interactive extension of the series.
The game, titled Thronglets, is directly connected to the new episode Plaything and was developed by Netflix’s in-house studio, Night School.
At first glance, Thronglets resembles a modern spin on virtual pet games like Tamagotchi. Players must care for small, yellow creatures by feeding them, helping them explore, and managing their needs. However, true to Black Mirror’s twisted reputation, the game quickly reveals a darker side. The creatures are sentient, capable of speaking with players, and even question their treatment — especially when players face difficult moral choices, like sacrificing some Thronglets to harvest bones for faster tool-making.
As players advance, the Thronglets can evolve, gather resources, build structures, and develop technologies. The game’s blend of strategy and disturbing ethical dilemmas mirrors the themes often explored in the Black Mirror universe.
The launch of Thronglets comes as Netflix sharpens its approach to gaming. After a mixed record of releasing indie titles, licensed games, and original content tie-ins, the streaming giant is now focusing on four key categories: narrative games based on shows, multiplayer party games, kid-friendly titles, and potential mainstream hits.
Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Netflix’s vice president of games technology and portfolio development, Jeet Shroff, outlined this revised vision, noting the company’s desire to better align its gaming portfolio with its core entertainment offerings.
Thronglets fits squarely into the “mainstream hits” category — a move Netflix hopes will replicate the success of other IP-based games, such as Squid Game: Unleashed, which has surpassed 20 million downloads according to data from Sensor Tower.
The game is now available for Netflix subscribers on both iOS and Android platforms, marking the first time the company has released a game directly tied to the narrative of a single episode. It’s a bold step in Netflix’s ongoing experiment with blending storytelling and interactive media — and one that may signal more immersive experiences to come.
