Netflix has confirmed that its platform will not release six previously planned games. The decision is part of the company’s effort to adjust its portfolio based on its members’ preferences. The six games that have been canceled are “Lab Rat,” “Don’t Starve Together,” “Rotwood,” “Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game,” “Thirsty Suitors,” and “Compass Point: West.” Three of these titles were being developed by Klei Entertainment.
Netflix spokesperson Leanne Loombe explained the move, saying, “The changes are intended better to reflect the preferences and interests of Netflix’s members.”
Despite the cancellations, most of these games are still expected to launch on other platforms, such as Steam and Nintendo Switch. The announcement comes as Netflix Games undergoes a broader change in strategy. The company, led by industry veterans including former Halo boss Joseph Staten, started reassessing its offerings in 2024.
Netflix adjusts game release strategy
During a recent earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Gregory Peters said the company has “plenty more” planned in the video game space. He mentioned that Netflix will focus on “more narrative games” based on its franchises while launching “party and couch co-op games” delivered from the cloud.
Peters acknowledged that Netflix is to understand its audience better, which may explain the strategic shift. He said, “We think of this as a successor to family board game night or an evolution of what the game show on TV used to be. So we’re excited about delivering some cool experiences in that space.”
Currently, Netflix’s main gaming offerings are on mobile, but the company has been working on cloud streaming to bring games directly to TVs and computers.
Despite canceling these titles, Netflix still has an internal game development studio and wholly-owned external teams such as Night School Studio, Boss Fight Entertainment, and Next Games.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
