Netflix Horror Game Starring Sadie Sink and Zoë Kravitz from Oxenfree Developer Night School Studio
Netflix is making a bold return to narrative-driven gaming with the upcoming release of Unhinged, a first-person horror game crafted by Night School Studio, the acclaimed creators of Oxenfree. This new venture promises a darker, more intense experience compared to the lighthearted supernatural mystery of Oxenfree. In Unhinged, players will follow the harrowing journey of two young women from neighboring houses, as one of them tries to survive a terrifying home invasion.
The game brings together a stellar cast, including Sadie Sink, known for her role in Stranger Things and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Zoë Kravitz, who has impressed audiences in The Batman and Divergent. Veteran voice actor Troy Baker also lends his talent to the project, adding depth to the game's narrative and emotional stakes.
A New Approach to Interactive Storytelling
Unlike Netflix's earlier attempts at interactive content, such as the acclaimed but controversial Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unhinged is a fully realized video game that players control using their smartphones. The experience is streamed directly to a TV via the Netflix platform, offering a unique blend of convenience and immersion. Players can use their phone to receive calls and text messages, or to explore the game's environment with a virtual flashlight, creating a more dynamic and responsive gameplay loop.
The narrative is designed to offer multiple branches and outcomes, with the story unfolding like an episode of a Netflix series — approximately an hour in length. However, the game is structured to allow for replayability, encouraging players to explore different choices and uncover alternate story paths. This approach not only enhances the player's experience but also highlights the potential of interactive storytelling on a streaming platform.
Night School Studio's game director, Sam Warner, shared insights into the development process, saying, “We looked deeply at the Wii [and] the Nintendo DS. I grew up with those, and I think that focus on novel innovative play was something that we really started this game with. If you've got Netflix and you have a phone, then this is for you.”
With its unique blend of horror, interactivity, and high-profile talent, Unhinged is poised to be a standout title in Netflix's growing library of gaming content. The game will launch on June 30, and all Netflix subscribers will have access to it.
