Netflix has officially announced the closure of its interactive fiction games under the Netflix Stories banner, marking the end of a brief yet notable experiment in narrative gaming. This decision might come as a surprise to many, given the solid player base that these games had cultivated. So, what led to the cancellation of Netflix Stories? Let's dive into the details.
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 encompass party games, games for kids, mainstream releases, and more interactive experiences designed for TV play.
Despite this shift, Boss Fight Entertainment, the studio behind the Netflix Stories series, will continue to collaborate with Netflix on other projects, including the highly anticipated Squid Game: Unleashed.
Is Netflix Stories Shutting Down?
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Netflix Stories consistently ranked high among the most-played titles on Netflix Games. Recent data places it fourth on the Netflix Games top 10 carousel, which ranks games based on playtime rather than downloads.
Looking ahead, the final interactive title in the Netflix Stories lineup will be Love Is Blind: NYC. Once its rollout concludes, Netflix will cease the development of new games under this banner. This decision follows closely on the heels of the Netflix Stories app teasing its next game, The Love Contract, originally slated for an April 8th release. Unlike its predecessors, The Love Contract was not based on any existing Netflix IP but was an original romance story involving an actress navigating the complexities of fame, scandal, and fake dating. Regrettably, this project has now been scrapped.
While no new titles will be added, the existing Netflix Stories games will remain accessible to players. Fans can continue to enjoy titles like 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. However, planned sequels such as those for Outer Banks and Ginny & Georgia have been canceled.
So, there you have it! If you're a fan of Netflix shows and want to dive into these interactive experiences, you can still find the game on the Google Play Store.
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