Alterface, a leader in interactive technology, has collaborated with Netflix to provide the key interactive technology for Stranger Things: Face the Dark Experience.
This thrill-filled experience, which debuted at Netflix House Dallas when the permanent entertainment venue opened late last year, invites guests to step directly into an episode of the iconic series.
See also: From screen to scene with Netflix House
Alterface supplied 560 devices designed to guide guests and enhance immersion in the narrative and environment.
These feature an 80s-inspired design and are accompanied by bespoke electronics, firmware, and software to deliver seamless integration with other technologies across the attraction. The system responds dynamically to visitors’ movement throughout the spaces, personalising their experience.
Courtesy of Netflix
Stéphane Battaille, CEO of Alterface, says: "With Stranger Things: Face the Dark, guests actually step into the world of Stranger Things and interact with the story in a way that feels natural and alive.
"It’s the kind of next-generation immersive experience we strive to create, where technology operates invisibly to support the story."
Personalised adventure
Set in Hawkins, Indiana, the experience follows the events at the end of Stranger Things Season 4. Visitors join the search-and-rescue effort to discover the fate of missing persons.
Equipped with a flashlight and headphones with binaural audio, they explore fan-favourite locations, including Castle Byers, Eddie Munson’s trailer, and more, as they hunt for clues and encounter unexpected thrills.
Visitors can move through the experience at their own pace, guided by light, sound, and live actors. The narrative adapts to the actions of individuals and groups, creating a unique, immersive adventure.
Courtesy of Netflix
Alterface provided the interactive headsets, flashlights, and systems that deliver a fully personalised audio and visual experience for each visitor and interface in real time with scenic elements and other technologies.
This was facilitated by a tailored geolocation system that tracks every guest in real time throughout the experience, enabling audio and visual feedback that responds immediately to their actions and location.
Visitors hear what they see. When they approach a clue or event, only those close by can hear the corresponding sound, maintaining focus and immersion.
Additionally, the system continuously adapts the narrative to each guest’s actions and location.
If groups split up, the narrative follows them, then synchronises seamlessly when they reunite. If they move away from the anticipated route, the story continues without interruption.
As they do not require visible triggers, these adaptations create an experience that feels natural and responsive to the individual, while handling dozens of visitors at once.
Courtesy of Netflix
Etienne Sainton, product manager at Alterface, says: "It was a unique challenge to integrate a fast and precise geolocation system, customized to deliver a personalized show for each guest.
"Thanks to our previous technology developments and the clear vision of every partner, this has become one of the most interesting and fun experiences we’ve had the opportunity to bring to life."
Alterface was recently selected to design a new interactive dark ride for Parc Astérix in France. This will form part of the park's major new expansion, Londinium, an Asterix in Britain-inspired zone set to open in 2028.
