"The story used an interactive structure that had previously only been used in Netflix originals aimed at children, allowing viewers to pick and choose their path through the adventure. This meant it could be rewatched - or, rather, replayed - repeatedly to see all the different endings. It was a compelling proof-of-concept and, since the story itself was about video game design, it was perfectly suited to the medium."
"Unfortunately, the novelty wore off. Netflix tried making other interactive specials, but the medium never really caught on. This year, long after abandoning the format, Netflix updated its interface and removed the last interactive specials still on the streamer: Bandersnatch and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's interactive finale, Kimmy vs. the Reverend."
"But in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Black Mirror creator and showrunner Charlie Brooker said that reports of Bandersnatch's disappearance were "exaggerated." "Watch this space, things are brewing," he said. "It's not gone. I think over time, all these things are going to slightly merge.""
Netflix pursued risky innovations throughout its evolution, moving from mailed DVDs to streaming originals and experimenting with interactive programming. In December 2018 a one-off Black Mirror special, Bandersnatch, used branching choices to let viewers pick pathways and replay multiple endings, aligning with its video-game design themes. Early interactive experiments expanded into other specials but failed to achieve lasting popularity. A later interface update removed the final interactive titles from the platform due to compatibility issues. Reports of permanent removal were characterized as exaggerated, and hints were made that interactive elements may return and eventually merge with other content formats.
Read at Inverse
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