Creating Monument Valley for the New Netflix Audience

Today marks the release of Monument Valley 3, a highly anticipated installment in the series that has been ten years in the making. The game represents a significant evolution for developer Ustwo Games, incorporating new characters, mechanics (like sailing), and a larger world, all while delivering a fresh standalone story.

One of the key changes in Monument Valley 3 is the introduction of a live service approach. Ustwo plans to release new content with every real-life season, as well as regularly providing new activities and puzzles for players to enjoy. This new model aims to engage players more regularly and keep them coming back for more adventures in the Monument Valley universe. And the best part? All of this content will be available exclusively on Netflix, with the company’s games branch acting as the mobile title’s publisher.

For Ustwo, this move into live service gaming is a natural evolution based on their past experiences with DLC and subscription services. Monument Valley 1 and 2 both had DLC, and the studio’s previous title, Desta: The Memories Between, was also a Netflix exclusive. Director Jennifer Estaris emphasizes that Ustwo’s games have always been about respecting players’ time and offering meaningful experiences that players remember long after playing.

Lead designer Emily Brown describes the updates for Monument Valley 3 as “snacks” – little bites of content that players can enjoy between major releases. The team is focused on creating a space where players feel immersed in the game world and enjoy the feeling of being there.

Lead producer John Lau explains that adapting Monument Valley 3 to a live service model presented both methodological and attitudinal challenges for the team. However, Ustwo is committed to maintaining their values and vision for the game, even in this new format.

Overall, Ustwo’s transition to a live service model on Netflix reflects their dedication to providing high-quality gaming experiences while also exploring new ways to engage players. By partnering with Netflix, Ustwo continues to innovate and deliver unique gaming experiences to a wider audience.