Bing Bong was the first thing I saw after waking up dazed in the sand after a traumatic plane crash at the start of Peak. His little green frame caught my attention, and while I felt a sense of peace amid the wreckage, that wasn’t to last as the plushie began surprising players by talking. This plush toy is not just an accessory; it has become a source of unexpected delight and fear among players.

There are tons of helpful items that’ll aid your ascent in Peak, from nutritious fruits hanging from trees to first aid in scattered luggage.

Bing Bong, however, may not be the most useful item. It seems to bring only a minor morale boost, with players often opting to ditch it for more practical gear as hunger set in. Yet, there’s an achievement for taking Bing Bong all the way up the mountain—unless, of course, its ghost visits you.

Recent reports say that Bing Bong might just be talking back to its keepers. One group of players jokingly asked Bing Bong if it loved Pride Month—it answered with a jubilant “bong,” leading to scares and laughter alike. Some even tossed it into the sea, only for it to reappear on the beach with: “I am Bing Bong.” Many have since speculated if this mysterious communication is the result of AI or if game developers are behind it.

Landfall’s community manager, Hanna, clarified that they are not using any generative AI for this feature. This suggests that developers are indeed using Bing Bong to interact with players, adding an engaging layer to the game. Closely related concepts can be found in games like The Blackout Club, where developers interact with players in real-time.

In conclusion, Bing Bong is not only a cute plush but a charming addition that brings a unique interaction experience to Peak’s adventure.