Netflix Shuts Down ‘Squid Game’ Mobile Game Studio

Netflix has announced the closure of Boss Fight Entertainment, the mobile game studio behind its popular title Squid Game: Unleashed. This development marks another significant adjustment in the streaming giant’s evolving strategy within the competitive gaming landscape, even as the game itself achieved notable success since its release.

Netflix Shuts Down ‘Squid Game’ Mobile Game Studio, Boss Fight Entertainment

The closure of Boss Fight Entertainment comes as a surprise to many within the gaming industry, particularly given the strong performance of Squid Game: Unleashed. The mobile game, based on Netflix’s globally acclaimed series, quickly garnered attention and reportedly hit the number one spot in 26 countries shortly after its debut last December. Boss Fight Entertainment, which Netflix acquired in 2022, was also responsible for the “Netflix Stories” series of games.

Despite the studio’s shutdown, Netflix has confirmed that both Squid Game: Unleashed and the existing “Netflix Stories” titles will continue to be available to subscribers. This move indicates a strategic decision regarding game development and studio management rather than a complete withdrawal of these specific titles from the platform.

Netflix’s Evolving Gaming Strategy

This latest studio closure aligns with a broader recalibration of Netflix’s gaming division, now under the leadership of president Alain Tascan, who joined in July 2024. The gaming initiative, initially launched in November 2021, appears to be shifting its focus away from predominantly mobile-centric titles towards a more diversified portfolio.

The company’s updated strategy prioritizes several key areas:

• Party Games: A slate of new party games is anticipated for the upcoming holiday season.
• Narrative Games: Emphasizing story-driven experiences, likely leveraging Netflix’s extensive library of intellectual property.
• Kids Games: Content tailored for a younger audience, aligning with the platform’s family-friendly offerings.
• Mainstream Games: Broad-appeal titles designed to attract a wider player base.
• TV-Based Gaming: A notable shift towards games that can be played directly on televisions, moving beyond the traditional mobile device focus.

This isn’t the first time Netflix has adjusted its gaming ambitions. Prior to the Boss Fight Entertainment decision, the company also closed its AAA video game studio, known as Team Blue, in October of the previous year, before it had released any projects.

The Impact on Boss Fight Entertainment

Following the news of the closure, David Rippy, co-founder and CEO of Boss Fight Entertainment, issued a statement on LinkedIn. He acknowledged the difficult news but expressed gratitude for the time spent at Netflix and pride in the games developed by his team, specifically highlighting the global success of Squid Game: Unleashed. Rippy also urged the industry to consider the talented professionals from Boss Fight Entertainment for any open roles, emphasizing their skills and dedication. He, along with co-founders Bill Jackson and Scott Winsett, indicated plans to take a brief hiatus before exploring future endeavors.

What This Means for Netflix Games and Players

The decision to shut down Boss Fight Entertainment underscores Netflix’s dynamic approach to its gaming venture. While the immediate consequence is the discontinuation of a development studio, the continued availability of titles like Squid Game: Unleashed ensures that players can still access these experiences. The strategic pivot towards different game genres and platforms, particularly a focus on games playable on TVs, suggests that Netflix is refining its vision for how gaming integrates with its core streaming service.

This shift could lead to more integrated entertainment experiences, potentially leveraging the living room environment where many viewers consume Netflix content. The emphasis on owned IP remains a critical component, suggesting future games will continue to draw from popular Netflix shows and movies, albeit through different development avenues and strategic partnerships.

Conclusion

The closure of Boss Fight Entertainment, despite the success of titles like Squid Game: Unleashed, illustrates Netflix’s ongoing process of experimentation and refinement within its gaming division. As the company continues to navigate the complexities of the video game market, its strategic adjustments signal a focused effort to align its gaming offerings with broader corporate objectives, including a greater emphasis on diverse game formats and platforms beyond just mobile. The industry will be watching closely to see how these strategic shifts manifest in future Netflix game releases and how they impact the platform’s overall value proposition to its subscribers.