Netflix will release Unhinged on June 30, 2026, a short interactive horror game from Night School Studio that uses your smartphone as part of the experience. The game is built around a home invasion story and is designed to be completed in roughly the time it takes to watch a TV episode.
Unhinged stars Zoë Kravitz as Ava, a woman trying to survive a dangerous night inside her apartment building during a storm. Sadie Sink voices Claire, who stays connected to Ava over the phone, while Troy Baker plays the building superintendent, Ben.
The game is one of Netflix’s more ambitious attempts to blend streaming style storytelling with interactive gameplay. Instead of using a traditional controller, you scan a QR code and connect your phone to the game. Your phone then becomes Ava’s in game device, letting you aim a flashlight, respond to calls, listen for audio cues, and interact with the environment.
Unhinged Is Designed for People Who Do Not Usually Play Games
Night School has built Unhinged around a simple idea: many Netflix subscribers are comfortable spending 30 to 60 minutes with a show or film, but may not want to learn a complex game system.
The game focuses on quick decisions, tension, and simple interactions rather than long tutorials or difficult controls. That makes it easier for people who usually watch horror films but do not spend much time with console or PC games.
The phone mechanic is also central to the experience. Some audio will play through the phone instead of the TV, which could make the home invasion setting feel more immediate. Your phone acts as a flashlight and communication device, creating a direct link between the player and Ava’s situation.
| Feature | Unhinged Details |
|---|---|
| Release date | June 30, 2026 |
| Developer | Night School Studio |
| Genre | Interactive horror |
| Main character | Ava, voiced by Zoë Kravitz |
| Supporting cast | Sadie Sink and Troy Baker |
| Estimated length | Around 40 minutes |
| Main controller | Smartphone through QR connection |
| Difficulty options | Standard mode and Story mode |
Standard Mode Adds Pressure While Story Mode Removes Failure
Unhinged will include two ways to play. Standard mode puts more pressure on players by requiring them to react quickly and find the right interactive objects during dangerous moments.
Story mode is intended for people who want to focus on the narrative. It removes the threat of failure and allows you to progress at your own pace. That choice could help Netflix reach people who are interested in the story and performances but are less comfortable with intense horror gameplay.
The format also makes Unhinged suitable for group play. Since the game is short and relies on a shared TV screen, it could work well for friends watching together and making decisions as the story unfolds.
A More Focused Direction for Netflix Games
Netflix has released mobile games and party experiences for several years, but Unhinged feels closer to a traditional narrative game than many of its earlier projects. Night School is known for story driven games with strong atmosphere, and that background fits a compact horror format.
The game may also show whether Netflix can create more interactive experiences that sit between television and video games. A 40 minute horror story with recognizable actors, phone based controls, and an accessible structure could be easier for mainstream viewers to try than a large open world game.
Unhinged will be available through Netflix on June 30. Its reception may help shape whether the company invests more heavily in short interactive games built around its streaming audience.
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