An episode from the seventh season of Black Mirror, titled "Plaything," has captured attention for its unique narrative. It follows Cameron Walker, a freelance games journalist who inadvertently uncovers a dark side to AI while testing an unapproved virtual pet simulation. The story resonates with those familiar with the 1990s gaming scene, particularly highlighting the era's influential figures and technologies. Additionally, it delves into the real-life inspirations behind the fictional Thronglets game, drawing parallels to groundbreaking creations like Creatures.
The episode also offers a nostalgic glimpse into the working environment of PC Zone magazine during the mid-1990s. Through interviews with former staff members, we learn about the chaotic yet creative atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the polished office depicted in the show. Furthermore, the episode accurately reflects key moments in gaming history, such as the popularity of Doom and the release of Magic Carpet and System Shock. These elements combine to create a compelling blend of fiction and reality, making "Plaything" a standout piece of speculative storytelling.
Unveiling the Inspirations Behind Virtual Pets
Inspiration for the Thronglets game can be traced back to the innovative title Creatures, which was released in 1996. This game challenged players to nurture generations of digital beings known as norns. Despite its seemingly simple premise, Creatures was a sophisticated artificial life experiment developed by CyberLife Technology. Players were tasked with maintaining breeding populations while dealing with the unpredictable nature of these creatures, coded with advanced neural networks and internal bodily systems.
Steve Grand, the creator of Creatures, shares similarities with Colin Ritman, the coder featured in "Plaything." Both individuals sought to transcend traditional gaming boundaries, exploring new realms of artificial intelligence. After achieving success with Creatures, Grand authored a book detailing its development and later ventured into robotics, creating a robotic orangutan. His subsequent project, Grandroids, aimed to continue this legacy by focusing on intelligent alien races. Although the project remains unfinished, it underscores the ongoing fascination with AI-driven simulations. The complexity and experimental nature of these games mirror the themes explored in "Plaything," emphasizing the potential dangers and ethical dilemmas inherent in AI technology.
Revisiting the Mid-90s Gaming Journalism Scene
"Plaything" offers a fictionalized portrayal of the PC Zone magazine office, contrasting sharply with the actual environment experienced by its staff during the mid-1990s. Former employees describe a lively, cluttered workspace characterized by personal desks overflowing with magazines, trinkets, and CDs. Music played loudly from shared stereo systems, fostering a collaborative yet chaotic atmosphere. This vibrant setting stood in stark contrast to the sleek, corporate aesthetic presented in the episode, revealing the imaginative liberties taken by the production team.
Beyond the physical space, the episode captures pivotal moments in gaming history, such as the widespread use of Doom within editorial offices and the critical acclaim received by Magic Carpet and System Shock. Interviews with former PC Zone contributors provide valuable insights into these dynamics, offering a richer understanding of the era's cultural significance. For instance, Chris Anderson, then deputy editor, embodied the archetype of a dedicated gamer whose passion fueled his work ethic. Meanwhile, Charlie Brooker's early career as a satirical writer for PC Zone adds depth to the narrative, showcasing how personal experiences influenced his dystopian storytelling. Ultimately, "Plaything" serves as both a tribute to and critique of the gaming industry's evolution, blending nostalgia with cautionary tales about technological advancement. Perhaps one day, a comprehensive drama series will emerge to fully capture the essence of this transformative period in gaming history.