Netflix has unveiled a new horror game titled Unhinged, developed by Night School Studio, the team behind the acclaimed Oxenfree series. The title promises a uniquely immersive experience by using the player's smartphone not just as a touch controller, but as a physical extension of the main character. Protagonist Ava, played by Zoë Kravitz, is trapped in her apartment building as a hurricane rages outside. She is not alone: friend Claire, voiced by Sadie Sink (known from Stranger Things), lives across the street and can see through the windows, offering guidance over the phone. The cast also includes veteran voice actor Troy Baker as the building superintendent.
The smartphone becomes a flashlight and communication device
The most innovative aspect of Unhinged is how it utilizes the phone. According to Netflix, Ava's hand movements mirror those of the device: moving the phone directs her flashlight toward objects, creating a tangible connection between player and action. Additionally, calls and texts received by Ava are routed to the real phone, which rings, vibrates, and plays audio. This approach goes far beyond traditional touchscreen use, heightening the sense of urgency and engagement. Night School Studio, the first studio acquired by Netflix, demonstrates its ability to innovate in the mobile gaming landscape.
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Story mode and timed challenges for a compact experience
Unhinged offers two game modes. Story mode allows players to experience the narrative without time pressure, ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the plot. Regular mode introduces timed events: the player must find a specific object in the room before the timer runs out, otherwise Ava dies and the game returns to the last checkpoint. Netflix describes the game as a compact experience, comparable to the length of a TV episode. However, players need a Netflix account, a TV, a stable internet connection, and a smartphone. The game launches on June 30 on the platform. With a star-studded cast and an original control mechanism, Unhinged could redefine how games interact with mobile devices, similar to innovations in API security and online privacy discussed in our previous articles.
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For insights on protecting digital platforms, our article on Rate Limiting for APIs provides valuable strategies for managing service load. Additionally, privacy and security in connected games are increasingly important, as highlighted by the recent Meta Oversight Board demands on sexualized deepfakes. Unhinged fits into this context, leveraging smartphone capabilities while maintaining data safety. For more on Night School Studio, see their Wikipedia page.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/2199931/netflixs-new-horror-game-taps-into-your-phone-for-deeper-immersion
