Key Facts
Netflix has announced its next major interactive experience: an immersive horror video game titled 'Unhinged', launching June 30. The game stars Zoë Kravitz, Sadie Sink, and Troy Baker, and was developed by Netflix-owned Night School Studio, known for 'Oxenfree'. Unlike traditional console games, 'Unhinged' is designed to be played on TV using a smartphone as the controller, requiring no additional hardware.
Gameplay and Story
Players assume the role of Ava (voiced by Kravitz), who wakes up during a violent storm with no power. Using their phone as a flashlight and lifeline, they must call and text best friend Claire (Sink) and building super Ben (Baker) to find safety. The game emphasizes immersion: real-world phone movements mirror Ava's hands, and incoming calls or texts cause the player's actual phone to ring and vibrate, while environmental sounds play through the TV.
Accessibility and Modes
Netflix aims to make 'Unhinged' as accessible as watching a show. Subscribers scan a QR code to launch a companion app, turning their phone into the controller. Two difficulty modes are available: Story Mode removes timers and death, allowing a pure narrative experience; Standard Mode introduces reflex-based challenges where players must quickly find interactive objects before a timer expires, with checkpoints upon failure.
Impact and Context
'Unhinged' represents Netflix's continued push into made-for-TV video games, expanding beyond its mobile-only library. The title follows the recent launch of 'FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition' and underscores the streamer's strategy to blend gaming and passive viewing. Source: variety.com
What Readers Should Know
- Launch date: June 30, 2026
- Starring: Zoë Kravitz, Sadie Sink, Troy Baker
- Developer: Night School Studio (Netflix-owned)
- No controller needed; phone-based interaction
- Two modes: Story (no death) and Standard (timed challenges)
FAQ
What is 'Unhinged' about?
'Unhinged' is an immersive horror game where players wake up as Ava during a storm, using their phone as a flashlight to navigate and communicate with friends while being hunted.
Who stars in 'Unhinged'?
The game features Zoë Kravitz as Ava, Sadie Sink as Claire, and Troy Baker as Ben.
When does 'Unhinged' launch?
The game launches on June 30, 2026.
Do I need a controller to play 'Unhinged'?
No, players scan a QR code to use their phone as the controller, with motion tracking and audio integration.