TL;DR: Netflix is set to launch its first original horror video game, Unhinged, on June 30. Utilizing mobile phones as controllers, the game immerses players in an abandoned apartment during a hurricane. Featuring notable voices like Zoe Kravitz and Sadie Sink, the title aims to keep Netflix subscribers engaged amid fierce competition in the entertainment industry.
Netflix is branching out once again, this time into the spooky world of video games. Scheduled for release on June 30, Unhinged marks the streaming giant’s first foray into original horror gaming. With players using their phones to interact with the game world—shining flashlights and navigating through an abandoned apartment during a storm—it promises to offer a unique blend of interactivity and storytelling. As the game moves into a high-stakes arena filled with chilling themes, it will feature familiar voices, including Zoe Kravitz, Troy Baker, and Sadie Sink from Stranger Things.
“Netflix is keen on lowering the barrier to entry,” says Sean Krankel, the company’s head of narrative games. His vision is simple: attract viewers who typically log on for films and series, pulling them closer to the realm of interactivity. With a runtime of just over half an hour, the game is designed for easy access and swift engagement, hoping to entice players to seek out more of Netflix’s gaming offerings.
Despite Netflix’s ambitious entry into the gaming world, it’s no secret that engagement has been a hurdle since they first ventured into this territory in 2021. After hiring seasoned gaming executive Alain Tascan, formerly of Epic Games, Netflix has invested in various genres, looking for the sweet spot that will capture and retain user interest. Recently, family-friendly titles like Boggle Party have shown some traction, but the quest for standout success in the horror genre could be particularly timely, riding on the coattails of recent box office hits like Backrooms and Obsession.
Krankel acknowledges that while Unhinged aims for modest success, the completion rate is a crucial indicator of engagement. If players can’t get through a game that lasts less than 45 minutes, it might suggest that Netflix hasn’t hit its mark. “I’m hopeful that this bite-sized approach resonates with players,” he remarks, heightening the stakes for an audience that thrives on quick, engaging content.
Yet, the premise of Unhinged isn’t just about aiming for high completion rates; it also reflects a conscious shift in Netflix’s gaming philosophy. The developers spent two years refining the concept, initially envisioning open-ended dialogue options and extensive character movement. However, it seems they realized that keeping players “unhinged” is better achieved with a tight, self-contained narrative—one that flows without overwhelming distractions.
In a surprising twist, Netflix has decided against releasing mobile-only titles in favour of games like Unhinged that can be enjoyed on a television. The ambition is clear: they want to create a gaming experience that feels more like traditional gameplay while still aligning with their streaming services. As they plan to intertwine these games with their existing franchises, the notion that “none of this existed for this platform before” could just be the spark needed to ignite their gaming arm.
Consider this: as games like Unhinged emerge, Netflix is not only vying for viewer loyalty but also adapting to an age where attention spans are fleeting and competition is fierce. If they succeed, we could witness an entirely new dimension of interactive storytelling that could keep audiences glued to their screens—just with a bit more jump scares.
And lastly, a fun nugget for gaming aficionados: in 2020, the global gaming market was worth around $159.3 billion, eclipsing film and music combined. Perhaps Netflix has finally found a way to tap into this lucrative sphere with a sinister, yet entertaining, twist.
