Netflix closes SoCal gaming studio, top devs depart

The large picture: Netflix has unopen down its AAA gaming workplace successful Southern California, 1 of respective improvement studios nan institution had added to its budding gaming portfolio successful caller years. The closure includes nan departure of astatine slightest 3 manufacture veterans, and calls into mobility Netflix's wide gaming strategy.

The streaming elephantine launched its gaming initiative successful precocious 2021 pinch a fistful of mobile titles. The institution continued nan push into 2022 pinch nan acquisition of Next Games and Boss Fight Entertainment, and moreover announced plans to build its ain workplace successful Finland.

By early 2023, Netflix had much than 55 games successful its unchangeable including established hits for illustration TMNT: Shredder's Revenge and Twelve Minutes. GTA Trilogy was added later successful nan year, and nan award-winning Monument Valley joined Netflix Games conscionable past month.

The effort seemed to beryllium trending successful nan correct direction, but news of nan SoCal workplace closure does coming immoderate questions. Game File, who was first to study connected nan subject, further notes that 3 splash hires person besides left.

Near nan extremity of 2022, Netflix hired Chacko Sonny – an executive shaper connected Overwatch – from Blizzard to thief retired astatine nan SoCal studio. The streaming elephantine added Joseph Staten, who helped build nan Halo franchise pinch Bungie and 343 Industries, successful nan outpouring of 2023 on pinch Rafael Grassetti, formerly nan creation head for nan God of War bid astatine Sony Santa Monica.

The closure and talent departure suggests Netflix is rethinking nan guidance it wants to return its gaming arm, and that mightiness not beryllium a bad thing. Slow and dependable often wins nan title and from nan outside, it seemed arsenic if Netflix was doing a decent occupation of slow building nan section pinch established franchises for illustration GTA, Sonic nan Hedgehog, and Monument Valley.

Games are included astatine nary other costs pinch your Netflix membership. They are ad-free, and person nary in-app purchases aliases different hidden fees. Check nan app shop connected Android aliases iOS to get started.