Netflix is venturing further into interactive entertainment with Unhinged, a new first-person horror game developed by the acclaimed studio Oxenfree, which Netflix acquired in 2021. The game promises a more substantial experience than typical mobile offerings on the platform, boasting a notable cast and a unique control scheme.
Unhinged features the talents of Zoë Kravitz, known for her role in The Batman, and Sadie Sink, recognized for her performance in Stranger Things. Veteran voice actor Troy Baker also lends his talents to the project. The game places players in the shoes of Ava (Kravitz), who is sheltering from a category-5 hurricane with her friend Claire (Sink) in neighboring apartments. When the power fails, Ava must investigate, leading to escalating horror.
The game's primary innovation lies in its use of the player's mobile phone. Rather than acting as a traditional gamepad, the device in the player's hand mirrors the phone used by Ava's character within the game. Incoming calls from Claire or text messages appear on a fictional UI on the phone's screen, requiring players to tap the answer button or interact as they would in reality. The phone's flashlight is also integral, with the in-game perspective directly reflecting where the player aims their device, creating an intuitive and immersive experience.
Development was overseen by Sean Krankel, head of Oxenfree studio. According to preview coverage, Unhinged is designed to be easily accessible, grounding its mechanics in familiar smartphone interactions. This approach aims to make the game appealing to a broad audience, including those who may not typically engage with games available on Netflix.
Unhinged has an estimated playtime of 30-40 minutes. While concise, the experience allows for player death and exploration of its environments. The game is set to launch on Netflix on June 30.