How David Fincher and Zach Cregger Shaped Netflix’s ‘Unhinged’ Game
Netflix is breaking new ground in the world of gaming with their latest project, “Unhinged.” This ambitious property, which blurs the lines between video game and TV series, is the brainchild of notable directors David Fincher and Zach Cregger. In a recent episode of the “Daily Variety” podcast, Variety’s Jennifer Maas delves into how these two visionaries helped shape this groundbreaking new venture.
“Unhinged” represents a significant leap forward for Netflix in terms of creative ambition in the gaming space. Produced by the Night School game studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021, this project aims to keep players engaged with their big TV screens for as long as possible. The game is designed to function as a hybrid between a traditional video game and a TV series, offering a unique and immersive experience for players.
Netflix has been actively exploring the world of mobile gaming, with a recent foray into the FIFA World Cup game. However, “Unhinged” takes things a step further by allowing players to use their smartphones as controllers. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a traditional gaming controller, while still providing a rich and engaging gaming experience on the big screen.
One of the standout features of “Unhinged” is the integration of the phone’s functions into the gameplay itself. Players will use their phones to take fake calls, view text messages, and navigate through the game world. This seamless integration of the phone as a remote control adds an extra layer of immersion to the overall experience.
Despite their significant contributions to the project, Fincher and Cregger kept their involvement in “Unhinged” under wraps until Maas uncovered the story. Their names appear in the credits with a subtle thank-you at the end, alongside notable stars Zoë Kravitz and Sadie Sink, who lend their voices to the game.
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