Netflix has been making significant strategic shifts recently, particularly in their gaming division. They've released an exciting list of upcoming shows and games for the year, but fans have noticed the absence of several previously announced titles. Notably, Netflix Games has decided to remove Don’t Starve Together from its mobile lineup, and it's not the only casualty.
Six Games Missing from Netflix's Lineup
Netflix has dropped six games that were initially slated to be part of their mobile gaming portfolio. If you were eagerly anticipating playing Don’t Starve Together, Tales of the Shire, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, or Thirsty Suitors through Netflix Games, you'll be disappointed to learn that these titles have been scrapped.
This move reflects Netflix's ongoing efforts to refine its gaming offerings. It's not the first time they've pulled games after initial announcements; Crashlands 2 was another title removed from their lineup even after beta testing began in some regions.
Netflix's Shift in Gaming Strategy
The removal of these games is part of a broader shift in Netflix's gaming strategy. The company is increasingly focusing on narrative-driven games and titles that tie into their popular shows and movies, moving away from indie games. A prime example of this new direction is Netflix Stories, which is set to feature popular shows like Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias later this year.
What Happens to the Games Netflix Dropped?
While it's disappointing that these games won't be available through Netflix, most of them are still slated for release on other platforms. Don’t Starve Together, originally announced in June 2024 as part of a trio of Klei Entertainment games coming to Netflix, will now be released on mobile by Playdigious.
Lab Rat and Rotwood, the other two Klei Entertainment titles, have also been removed from Netflix's plans. However, Rotwood is still available on Steam in early access.
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game, a cozy life sim, was initially set to launch in fall 2024 but has been delayed to early 2025. Its absence from Netflix's lineup is confirmed by the removal of the Netflix Games logo from its website.
Compass Point: West, developed by Next Games (a studio owned by Netflix), was one of the first titles announced for the platform, making its cancellation particularly surprising.
Finally, Thirsty Suitors, a stylish, story-driven RPG developed by Outerloop Games and published by Annapurna Interactive, was intended for mobile release through Netflix but will now be available on Steam and consoles.
Wrapping Up
As Netflix continues to adjust its gaming strategy, these changes highlight their focus on integrating more closely with their existing content. For those interested in what else Netflix Games has to offer, you can explore their current lineup on the Google Play Store.
For more on Netflix's latest developments, don't miss out on the news about Netflix Stories adding Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias later this year.
