The success of Stranger Things extends beyond its captivating narrative and nostalgic charm on Netflix. The series has inspired a range of mobile and video games, allowing fans to immerse themselves further into the beloved world of Hawkins, Indiana. As we anticipate the release of Stranger Things season five in November, it’s a prime time to explore the intriguing universe of its gaming adaptations.
In October 2017, Netflix partnered with BonusXP to launch Stranger Things: The Game, also referred to as Stranger Things: 1984. This free mobile game became an instant hit, garnering three million downloads in its first week alone. Sporting a retro-pixel art style reminiscent of 16-bit games, it crafted an engaging experience reflective of the era it emulates. Players step into the shoes of Chief of Police Jim Hopper as they navigate through Hawkins in search of the missing boys from the series. As players locate these characters, they unlock them for play, enhancing the gameplay experience with their unique abilities.
According to Dave Pottinger, president of BonusXP, the game’s design drew inspiration from classic titles like The Legend of Zelda, aligning perfectly with Stranger Things as both focus on exploration. The game’s map, ingeniously based on a Google street view of Jackson, Georgia — where the series is filmed — adds a layer of authenticity that fans appreciate. To maintain secrecy during development, the team opted for family members rather than external testers for quality assurance, which led to the inclusion of two difficulty levels. Completing the game rewards players with a clip from the first episode of Stranger Things season two, creating an enticing bridge from game to screen.
Building on the momentum of its predecessor, BonusXP announced Stranger Things 3: The Game during The Game Awards in 2018, launching on July 4, 2019, as a companion to the show’s third season. This game marks a significant evolution from its earlier title, adopting an isometric action format that allows players to control multiple characters, including Joyce, Jim, Max, and Eleven. The gameplay echoes several 1980s classics, providing not just nostalgia but also a deeper narrative that enhances the universe of the series. This installment drew collaboration from the Duffer Brothers, ensuring that the extra story elements explored in the game align seamlessly with the show’s canon. Released on various platforms — including mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One — the game also supported Netflix’s entry into the mobile gaming market, with both mobile games launching on Netflix’s Games service in November 2021.
The franchise continued to expand with Next Games’ Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales, which transitioned from an initial concept of a location-based game to a story-driven puzzle RPG upon its release in 2021.
Exploring virtual reality, Sony Interactive Entertainment introduced Stranger Things: The VR Experience for PlayStation VR in December 2017. This endeavor offered fans an immersive journey into the eerie atmosphere of Hawkins through captivating VR scenes. In February 2024, Tender Claws released a separate episodic VR game, Stranger Things VR, available on major VR platforms, reflecting the growing trend of using virtual reality to deepen audience engagement with popular narratives.
While Netflix initially slated an episodic adventure game with Telltale in June 2018, plans were stalled by the company’s unfortunate closure in September of the same year. The proposed game would have bridged the events between the second and third seasons, signifying the show’s potential for deeper storytelling through interactive media.
As we eagerly await Stranger Things season five, it’s evident that these gaming adaptations play a vital role in enriching the narrative tapestry and engaging fans beyond the screen. Whether through mobile games or VR experiences, they offer a unique lens through which audiences can explore the mysteries of Hawkins, solidifying the series’ status as a multifaceted cultural phenomenon.
