Netflix is removing nearly all of its interactive titles and shifting focus away from this "limiting" technology. The company now plans to utilize generative AI for game development.
You have until December 1, 2024, to watch/play Netflix's interactive titles.
Only 4 of the 24 interactive titles produced will remain: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls, and You vs. Wild.
- "The technology served its purpose, but is now limiting as we focus on new technological efforts," Netflix spokesperson Chrissy Kelleher told The Verge.
Why are the titles being removed?
While Netflix has confirmed it is stepping away from interactive video, the reasons for completely removing most titles remain unclear.
The company launched its first interactive video title in 2017 with Puss in Boots: Trapped in an Epic Tale. While these interactive titles were playable on many platforms through the Netflix app, they were never supported on devices like Chromecast and Apple TV.
Generative AI for games
Netflix recently closed a Los Angeles game studio that was developing AAA games, but it continues to operate other game studios, which currently have over 125 games in development.
According to the former VP of Games at Netflix, this was a planned transition.
- "Pay no mind to uninformed media speculation about changes in Netflix Games. What you've seen over the last several months was actually a planned transition," said Mike Verdu, now Vice President of GenAI for Games at Netflix.
Generative AI for games
Mike Verdu added that Netflix will now focus on using generative AI for game development.
- "I'm focused on a creator-first vision for AI, one that centers on creative talent, with AI serving as a catalyst and accelerator. AI will enable large game teams to move much faster and give smaller teams access to capabilities that were previously unimaginable," said Verdu, adding:
- "GenAI is the next big challenge. I haven’t been this excited about an opportunity in the industry since the '90s when we saw game launches redefining what was possible every few months."
Netflix's games remain exclusively available on mobile devices. The company’s cloud gaming initiative, which aims to expand gaming to TVs and other devices, is still in beta.
- Source: LinkedIn
