Netflix backtracks into the high-profile video game industry. The streaming giant has decided to close his development studio in California, known internally as ‘Team Blue’, which was formed just under two years ago with the aim of realizing an ambitious triple-A project. A move that could indicate greater caution in Netflix’s approach to the video game market, where the creation of great titles requires, for obvious reasons, considerable investments, as well as entailing significant risks.
After less than 2 years, Netflix’s Team Blue is closing
The news, shared by Stephen Totilo and other industry insiders, represents a significant turnaround in the company’s gaming expansion strategy.
SCOOP: Netflix has closed its “AAA” game studio in California, less than 2 years after opening it and making big hires
Last spring, Halo vet Joseph Staten made headlines for joining
Team’s now gone
A shake-up as new gaming bosses at Netflix settle inhttps://t.co/li3Pncqsy0
Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) October 22, 2024
Team Blue had attracted the attention of the industry for having recruited prominent figures from the gaming scene, including Joseph Statenknown for his creative role in the Halo series, Chacko Sonnyformer executive producer of Overwatch, and Rafael Grassettiwho led the art direction of God of War at Santa Monica Studio (Sony)
While details about the project in development remain shrouded in mystery, inside sources report that the team was working on a multi-platform experience based on a big budget and that it would push the boundaries of Netflix’s traditional mobile offering. The closure of the studio led to the departure of all three previously hired top talents from the company.
Despite this setback, Netflix still maintains a significant presence in the gaming industry. The company can count on other studies, including the one in Helsinki, and on strategic acquisitions such as Night School Studio (Oxenfree) e Spry Fox (Cozy Grove).
The portfolio of projects in development remains consistent, with over 80 titles in progress and the goal of releasing at least one game per month. It should be underlined, however, that the majority of these projects focus on smaller experiences, often linked to the most popular television series on the on-demand platform, such as Selling Sunset ed Emily in Paris.
The closure of Team Blue suggests that Netflix may have reevaluated its strategypreferring to focus on productions of smaller scope but more aligned with its core streaming business and the expectations of its target audience.
Source: gaming.hwupgrade.it
