Netflix will release Unhinged, a first-person horror game developed by its own Night School Studio, on June 30, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The game puts players in an abandoned apartment building during a Category 5 hurricane while a serial killer hunts the main character [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Players use their smartphones as in-game phones and flashlights, with the game sending calls and texts to their real phones for an immersive experience [1, 2, 3, 7, 4, 5, 6]. Sam Warner, Night School’s game director, said the game draws inspiration from Nintendo Wii and DS innovations, aiming to innovate without needing a traditional controller, just Netflix access and a phone [3, 6].
The cast includes Zoë Kravitz as Ava, Sadie Sink as Claire, and Troy Baker as the murderer Ben [1, 2, 3, 7, 4, 6]. Gameplay runs about 30 to 40 minutes, designed like a playable Netflix episode [1, 2, 7, 5, 6]. It provides narrative branches where players can retry after death to explore different outcomes [2, 3, 7]. Two modes are available: Story Mode with no death and Standard Mode with time limits and death possibilities [5, 6].
Sound effects for phone calls come through the player’s phone, while environmental sounds play through the TV or compatible device [4, 5, 6]. Players need a smart TV or compatible laptop plus a smartphone to play through Netflix’s app and a Game Controller app [5, 6].
Netflix acquired Night School Studio in 2021 as part of its gaming ambitions but scaled back gaming investments from 2024 following a studio shutdown [4]. Unhinged marks the company’s most notable return to interactive gaming content with a focus on casual games [4, 5].
Unhinged launches globally on June 30 and will be available to all Netflix subscribers with compatible devices [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
