Netflix announced recently their plan to get into gaming and the first set are mobile-focused games but it won't be long until it's bigger and now Night School Studio creator of Oxenfree has been acquired by Netflix.
That's right the Movie and TV streaming service will be continuing to expand it's reach into gaming, with more studios planned to be swallowed up. In the official announcement from Night School Studio they said:
Night School wants to stretch our narrative and design aspirations across distinctive, original games with heart. Netflix gives film, TV, and now game makers an unprecedented canvas to create and deliver excellent entertainment to millions of people. Our explorations in narrative gameplay and Netflix’s track record of supporting diverse storytellers was such a natural pairing. It felt like both teams came to this conclusion instinctively.
Of course, it’s a surreal honor to be the first games studio to join Netflix! Not only do we get to keep doing what we do, how we like to do it, but we get a front-row seat on the biggest entertainment platform in the world. The Netflix team has shown the utmost care for protecting our studio culture and creative vision. We’ll keep making OXENFREE II. We’ll keep cooking up new game worlds.
From the Netflix press release:
We’ll continue working with developers around the world and hiring the best talent in the industry to deliver a great collection of exclusive games designed for every kind of gamer and any level of play. Like our shows and films, these games will all be included as part of your Netflix membership — all with no ads and no in-app purchases. Stay tuned for more.
How do you feel about Netflix doing gaming? We've often seen service compared to a "Netflix of gaming" but now they're going all-in on it themselves. Games will be included as part of a normal membership so they're in a pretty good position. Just recently they expanded their offering from just Poland to also include Spain and Italy but it's Android only right now. It likely won't be too long before play is possible in your browser.
QuoteHow do you feel about Netflix doing gaming?
If that means that the games from companies they own will only available with a Neflix accounts, then this is terrible news because Apple, Disney and others will start doing the same very soon and it will almost force customers to subscribe to multiple platforms
If the games remain also available as single purchases from regular stores, on the other hand, I see no problem with Netflix investing in gaming and adding a subscription-based access to a large catalogue in addition to the already existing offer.
But interactive narrative gameplay, that's a big yes. Like bandersnatch but better or a quantic dream game but well written this time. (How about ressurecting telltales games ?)
However, if it's more tied to existing show content and not trying to compete with Stadia on a grand scale, I can see the value. Like Mirv, I have precisely zero interest in it, but maybe some do, and I'm not averse to Netflix trying something new.
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