Netflix has closed the book on its short-lived interactive era, removing the interactive choose-your-own-adventure movie Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, along with Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend, from today (12th May).
Bandersnatch made quite a splash when it debuted on Netflix back in 2018, as a standalone Black Mirror feature-length experience that allowed viewers to choose the outcome of the story. It starred Fionn Whitehead and Will Poulter, had multiple endings and a total of 312 minutes of footage.
I remember when it first came out, everyone talking about which ending they got and going back to watch the different ones. It was a bit of a novelty, and had everyone imagining what was in store next, with potentially all sorts of interactive content to come – especially with Todd Yellin’s claiming the company were going to “double down” on interactive content.
In fact, it was billed as “the future of television”.
That reality didn’t really transpire, and according to a Netflix spokesperson, the tech used in Bandersnatch “served its purpose, but is now limiting as we focus on technological efforts in other areas.”
Yeah, just quietly kick ’em into the bin, Netflix. Moving on!
So, what exactly is Netflix actually up to now? Games. Its latest interface (which you may have noticed) features games you can play via smart TVs, including Too Hot to Handle 3 and Oxenfree – the latter being an interactive story you control with your phone. It’s still championing interactivity, just… in a different way.
Ah well. I wonder if no-one will ever be able to experience Bandersnatch again. That’s… kind of sad when you think about it, despite the fact it may not have done as well as hoped. They probably need the banderwidth (get it?).
Who knows. Maybe Prime Video will try some interactive stuff.
What do you think of Netflix quietly getting rid of its interactive titles like Bandersnatch? And have you played its new games? Comment below, and let’s start a conversation.
