Netflix acquires first video game studio as the streaming giant aims to break into a new sector
- The company announced that it bought Night School Studio, the creators of paranormal thriller game ‘Oxenfree’
- Android users in Poland have already started testing two games based on ‘Stranger Things’
Netflix has announced the acquisition of its first video game studio, as the streaming giant attempts to expand its entertainment empire with a push into the gaming sector. Photo: AFPNetflix has announced the acquisition of its first video game studio, as the streaming giant bids to expand its entertainment empire with a push into the gaming sector.
The company announced on Tuesday that it had bought the California-based Night School Studio, best known as the creators of paranormal thriller game Oxenfree.
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Netflix indicated its intention to venture into video games in July, eyeing potential hits based on the storylines of popular TV series.
The company said Night School’s “artistic excellence and proven track record make them invaluable partners as we build out the creative capabilities and library of Netflix games together”.
Night School co-founder Sean Krankel said in a blog post that it was “a surreal honour” to be the first games developer to join Netflix.
“Netflix gives film, TV, and now game makers an unprecedented canvas to create and deliver excellent entertainment to millions of people,” he wrote.
“There’s a kaleidoscope of butterflies in our team’s collective stomachs.”
Netflix has already signalled that access to the games it develops will be included in customers’ membership.
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The streaming giant said in August that it was starting limited testing of its gaming capabilities, with Android users in Poland able to try two games based on its Stranger Things series.
Along with its interest in games inspired by television, Netflix has previously developed various TV shows and films based on games.
This week it announced it has commissioned a third season of The Witcher, which is based on a series of fantasy novels and video games.
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A kids’ TV show based on Sonic the Hedgehog is due to be released next year, while a series based on multiplayer battle epic League of Legends is out in November.
Netflix’s expansion into video games comes as it appears to be reaching a saturation point in the United States in terms of the number of households it can reach.
The company has openly said it competes with hit games such as Fortnite for people’s time, and analysts suggest games could help attract new subscribers.