Netflix recently made significant changes to its gaming lineup, removing six previously announced titles from its mobile platform. This unexpected shift affects several anticipated games, including Don't Starve Together, Tales of the Shire, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, and Thirsty Suitors.
Six Games Removed from Netflix Games:
Netflix's decision to drop these games reflects a strategic adjustment in its gaming portfolio. The company appears to be prioritizing narrative-driven games and titles based on its popular shows and movies over indie titles. This isn't the first instance of Netflix canceling games after initial announcements; Crashlands 2 faced a similar fate.
While disappointing for those anticipating these mobile releases, most of the affected games are still in development or available through other platforms. Don't Starve Together, initially slated for a Netflix mobile release, will now launch via Playdigious. Rotwood remains accessible on Steam in early access. Tales of the Shire, originally scheduled for Fall 2024, has been delayed until early 2025. The removal of Compass Point: West, a Next Games title (a Netflix subsidiary), is particularly noteworthy. Finally, Thirsty Suitors will be released on Steam and consoles, but not through Netflix Games.
This strategic shift towards licensed properties is further exemplified by Netflix Stories, which will feature adaptations of popular shows like Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias this year. The absence of the Netflix Games logo from its website confirms the cancellation of these titles from its mobile gaming service. For a look at Netflix's current mobile gaming offerings, check the Google Play Store.
