For years, Netflix has attempted to expand its dominance in the streaming sector into the gaming industry through interactive TV shows and movies, as well as actual video games. However, following Netflix's decision to shut down its AAA game studio, Team Blue, the streaming giant is also set to remove nearly all of its interactive titles by the end of November. The Verge has verified that out of the 24 interactive shows and movies currently available on Netflix, only four will remain accessible as of December 1st—Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls, and You vs. Wild. Several notable departures include WWE's Escape the Undertaker, Triviaverse, and animated specials featuring Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, Boss Baby, and Carmen Sandiego.
"The [interactive] technology served its purpose, but is now limiting as we focus on technological efforts in other areas," stated Netflix spokesperson Chrissy Kelleher in a comment to The Verge. What lies ahead for Netflix's gaming aspirations? Earlier this week, Mike Verdu, one of the founders of Netflix Games, revealed that he is the new Vice President of GenAI for Games at Netflix. He also emphasized AI as "transformational technology [that] will accelerate the velocity of development and unlock truly novel game experiences that will surprise, delight, and inspire players." This announcement came just weeks after the layoff of Team Blue's developers.
Netflix still maintains a few video game studios within its portfolio, and as the AAA title, Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game, which is slated for release on consoles and PC in early 2025.
Source link: https://www.gamespot.com
