Netflix has officially announced the closure of its interactive fiction games under the Netflix Stories banner, marking the end of a brief foray into narrative gaming. This decision might come as a surprise to many, considering the games had a solid player base. So, why exactly did Netflix Stories get the axe? Let's dive into the full story!
The news, initially reported by Variety, is part of a larger strategic pivot at Netflix Games. The company is now shifting its focus towards mobile titles that include party games, children's games, mainstream releases, and more interactive experiences designed for TV play.
Despite this closure, Boss Fight Entertainment, the studio behind the Netflix Stories series, will continue to collaborate with Netflix on other projects, including the much-anticipated Squid Game: Unleashed.
Netflix Stories Gets Cancelled, So Is It Shutting Down?
Despite facing some criticism, Netflix Stories consistently ranked among the top-played games on Netflix. Recent reports place it at the fourth position in the Netflix Games top 10 carousel, which ranks games based on playtime rather than downloads.
As for the future of the series, Love Is Blind: NYC will be the last interactive title released under the Netflix Stories banner. Once its rollout concludes, no new games will be developed in this series. This announcement came right on the heels of the Netflix Stories app teasing its upcoming game, The Love Contract, which was slated for an April 8th release. Unlike its predecessors, The Love Contract wasn't tied to any existing Netflix IP. It was to be an original romance story revolving around an actress navigating a complex love triangle involving a Hollywood star and a billionaire, all amidst fame, scandal, and fake dating. Unfortunately, this project has now been scrapped.
While no new games will be added to the Netflix Stories lineup, existing titles such as Love Is Blind, Emily in Paris, Money Heist, Love Is Blind: Winter’s Kiss, Perfect Match, Sex Education, Selling Sunset, Sweet Magnolias, Virgin River, and The Perfect Couple will remain available for players to enjoy. However, planned sequels like those for Outer Banks and Ginny & Georgia have also been cancelled.
That's the scoop on the Netflix Stories cancellation! If you're a fan of Netflix shows and want to experience these interactive stories, you can still check them out on the Google Play Store.
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