Netflix's Game Plan Shift: Why Boss Fight Studio Closed

Netflix has decided to close Boss Fight Entertainment, a game studio it acquired in 2022. The studio was responsible for the mobile game Squid Game: Unleashed and the Netflix Stories games, which adapted Netflix shows into interactive experiences. Despite the closure, both Squid Game: Unleashed and Netflix Stories will remain available for players.

A Change in Strategy

The closure of Boss Fight comes as Netflix rethinks its gaming strategy. Alain Tascan, Netflix's gaming head, has indicated a shift toward party games, narrative games, kids' games, and mainstream games. The company is also moving away from mobile gaming and focusing more on TV screens.

This shift was hinted at earlier when Greg Peters, Netflix co-CEO, announced new party games like Boggle and Pictionary.

A Struggle to Find the Right Path

The decision to close Boss Fight highlights Netflix's dissatisfaction with its gaming division. The company, known for being selective with acquisitions, bought three studios in 2021 and 2022 to expand its gaming business. However, the focus on mobile games did not align with what most Netflix users wanted, as they prefer gaming on TV screens.

This move signals that Netflix is still figuring out its gaming strategy. The company is trying to find the right path, but it's not easy. The closure of Boss Fight shows that even big companies like Netflix can make mistakes and need to change their plans.