Netflix Shuts Down AAA Game Studio Before Releasing Any Games

Netflix’s venture into the gaming industry has hit a bump in the road as the streaming giant quietly shut down one of its studios, marking the first closure since its gaming foray began three years ago. The studio in question, known as Blue, was reportedly working on a multi-platform AAA game for an original IP before its closure.

In 2022, Netflix made headlines by hiring former Overwatch executive producer Chacko Sonny to lead the Blue studio. The team at Blue consisted of seasoned game industry professionals with backgrounds in renowned franchises such as Halo and God of War. Despite their efforts, the studio was closed down before the anticipated game could be officially announced or launched.

Since diving into the gaming realm in 2021, Netflix has gradually introduced a range of games on its platform. Initially starting with a few hyper-casual mobile games, Netflix expanded its offerings to include mobile adaptations of popular titles like Grand Theft Auto and Hades. Additionally, the streaming service rolled out its own exclusive games like Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit and Oxenfree II: Lost Signals.

To bolster its gaming catalog, Netflix had been actively acquiring and setting up studios. Recent additions included a mobile game studio in Helsinki, a new facility in southern California, and the acquisition of Cozy Grove developer Spry Fox. However, with the closure of the Blue studio, Netflix’s expansion plans and ambitious AAA game projects may be at a standstill.

The closure of the Blue studio serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with venturing into the competitive gaming industry. While Netflix has made strides in offering a variety of games to its subscribers, the closure of a studio dedicated to a high-profile project underscores the unpredictable nature of the gaming landscape. It remains to be seen how Netflix will navigate this setback and continue to evolve its gaming strategy in the future.