Netflix Levels Up: Acquires Night School Studio in Gaming Push
Netflix, the undisputed king of streaming, is boldly venturing into new territory: the interactive world of video games. In a move that signals a serious commitment to this expansion, the entertainment giant has acquired Night School Studio, an independent game developer known for its narrative-driven and atmospheric titles. This marks Netflix’s first acquisition of a game studio, solidifying its intent to become a major player in the gaming industry.
Night School Studio has carved out a niche for itself with its unique brand of storytelling and engaging gameplay. Their most notable titles include "Afterparty," a darkly comedic adventure set in hell, and "Oxenfree," a critically acclaimed supernatural thriller where a group of friends accidentally unleash a ghostly presence. "Oxenfree," in particular, has resonated with players for its compelling narrative, intricate dialogue system, and eerie atmosphere. The studio describes "Oxenfree" as a game about a group of friends who "unwittingly open a ghostly rift,” a premise that bears a striking resemblance to the popular Netflix series "Stranger Things."
Interestingly, the connection between Night School Studio and Netflix extends beyond thematic similarities. Back in 2018, the studio was actively developing a puzzle game based on "Stranger Things." However, the project was abruptly canceled due to unforeseen layoffs, leaving fans wondering what could have been. This past experience adds a layer of intrigue to the acquisition, suggesting that Netflix sees the potential for a fruitful partnership with Night School Studio and a desire to revisit the idea of bringing its popular franchises to the gaming world.
Mike Verdu, Netflix’s vice president of game development, has outlined the company’s initial strategy for its gaming offerings. In a statement, Verdu emphasized that the games will be completely free for subscribers, with no advertisements or in-app purchases. This approach distinguishes Netflix from other mobile gaming platforms that often rely on microtransactions and intrusive ads. The games will be "exclusive games designed for every kind of gamer and any level of play," indicating that Netflix aims to cater to a broad audience with diverse tastes and skill levels.
The announcement of the Night School Studio acquisition follows Netflix’s recent expansion of its mobile gaming test program. The platform initially launched a selection of mobile games for Android users in Poland in August. Now, these games are also available to subscribers in Spain and Italy. Although these games are free to play, they require an external download. When users discover the games within the Netflix mobile app, they are redirected to the Google Play Store to install them on their devices. This process, while slightly cumbersome, suggests that Netflix is testing different distribution methods and gathering data on user behavior.
For months, Netflix has openly expressed its ambition to enter the gaming space. This strategic move is undoubtedly aimed at capturing a larger share of the overall media market, which is increasingly competitive. The company has already dominated the streaming landscape with its vast library of television shows and movies, but it recognizes the potential of gaming as a powerful and engaging form of entertainment. By adding games to its repertoire, Netflix hopes to attract new subscribers, retain existing ones, and further solidify its position as a leading entertainment provider.
Sean Krankel, who founded Night School Studio in 2014, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership in a statement on the studio’s website. Krankel praised the Netflix team for their commitment to preserving the studio’s unique culture and creative vision.
"Netflix gives film, TV and now game makers an unprecedented canvas to create and deliver excellent entertainment to millions of people," Krankel said. "Our explorations in narrative gameplay and Netflix’s track record of supporting diverse storytellers was such a natural pairing."
Krankel’s statement highlights the shared values between Night School Studio and Netflix. Both companies are dedicated to delivering high-quality, story-driven entertainment to a global audience. Night School Studio’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives and engaging gameplay, combined with Netflix’s vast resources and reach, creates a powerful synergy that could lead to exciting new gaming experiences for subscribers.
The acquisition of Night School Studio is a significant step for Netflix as it embarks on its gaming journey. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to investing in talent and innovation in the gaming industry. By offering free, exclusive games to its subscribers, Netflix aims to create a unique and compelling value proposition that sets it apart from its competitors. The future of Netflix in gaming is uncertain, but this acquisition shows that the streaming titan is ready to play. The combination of Night School Studio’s creative talent and Netflix’s platform promises a new era of interactive entertainment, blurring the lines between streaming and gaming and potentially reshaping the media landscape forever.
