Gallery: A Creepy iPhone Game Inspired by the NSA's Snooping

  • Image may contain Human Person Face Head Collage Advertisement Poster Tie Accessories Accessory and Helmet
    01

    backbar-title

    *Blackbar*, a new iPhone game designed by Neven Mrgan, gives players a playful preview of life in a police state. *Image: Neven Mrgan*
  • Image may contain Text Page and Word
    02

    blackbar-01-660x485stk

    *Blackbar* features a simple game mechanic and requires players to decipher messages that have been censored by an ominous sounding "Department of Communication." *Image: Neven Mrgan*
  • Image may contain Text Menu Game and Crossword Puzzle
    03

    blackbar-03-660x585stk

    The game sounds simple, but the complexity ratchets things up quickly and you'll soon find yourself forced to decipher letters with nothing but context from the story. *Image: Neven Mrgan*
  • Image may contain Word Text Page and Label
    04

    blackbar-02-660x389stk

    In addition to the two lead characters, government censors, a off-kilter resistance movement, and a Stepfordian neighborhood board fill out the world. *Image: Neven Mrgan*
  • Image may contain Text and Document
    05

    blackbar-05-660x585stk

    Each character has a distinct visual style, with the resistance leaning towards concrete poetry. *Image: Neven Mrgan*
  • Image may contain Clothing Apparel Hood Footwear and Boot
    Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED
    06

    blackbar-06-660x585stk

    *[Blackbar](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blackbar/id672002602?mt=8)* is available for $2.99 in the App Store. *Image: Neven Mrgan*
Read More
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Greens Powders for Drinking Your Veggies
I did the research and taste-testing to find the best greens powders worth your money. Bloom Nutrition’s Superfood Greens Powder is my tried-and-true pick.
Louryn Strampe
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
20 Best Gifts for Men, Manly Men, and Menly Man Men
When you need something that’s as mannishly masculinized as you can get for the Man™ in your life, we have you covered.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
The Best Drip Coffee Makers Now Rival Café Pour-Over
The old-fashioned drip coffee maker has come a long way. These impressive machines can turn your barista into a stranger.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure
From strenuous hikes and serious summits to weekend rambles in the park, these boots help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Chris Haslam
The Best MagSafe and Qi2 Power Banks for Your Phone
Keep your iPhone or Qi2 Android phone topped up with one of the best portable chargers.
Simon Hill