Netflix Ventures into Cloud-Based Horror Gaming with Unhinged

Netflix is pushing the boundaries of its gaming initiative with the release of Unhinged, a cloud-based interactive horror experience designed specifically for TV. Developed by Night School Studio, the creators of Oxenfree, Unhinged is a first-person game that puts players in the shoes of a young woman named Ava, who must navigate her apartment building during a storm while being stalked by a killer. The game is controlled using a smartphone, which becomes Ava's phone, allowing players to interact with the environment and receive calls from other characters. Unhinged is a brief, yet terrifying experience that lasts less than an hour, making it a unique and consumable form of entertainment.

According to Night School cofounder Sean Krankel, the game's design decisions were focused on simplicity and approachability, eliminating traditional mechanics like direct character control and complex features. The result is an experience that feels like a blend of a game and a movie, with a tense and horrifying narrative that keeps players on the edge of their seats. Unhinged is set to launch on Netflix on June 30th, and its creators hope it will become a communal experience, with players watching and reacting together. With its innovative design and short, intense gameplay, Unhinged may be the future of Netflix's gaming efforts, offering a new type of interactive horror experience that sets it apart from traditional games and movies.

Source: The Verge