Netflix Axes 'Stories,' Retains Classics

• Netflix Stories is reportedly set for cancellation
• Previously released titles will remain accessible
• This marks an unexpected shift away from their narrative gaming initiative

Netflix has reportedly canceled its Netflix Stories franchise in a surprising turn for the narrative-driven series. This includes relatively popular titles such as Love is Blind, Perfect Match, and Virgin River, which will stay available to players, but all future releases are now suspended.

This news leans more toward the business side, which explains why our affiliate site initially reported it. However, from a player's perspective, it raises intriguing—and slightly concerning—questions about Netflix's future gaming strategy.

For better or worse, Netflix seemed to be steering away from indie titles toward more narrative-focused releases that complemented its TV and film offerings. But with Netflix Stories now canceled, that strategy appears to have stalled, making other approaches more probable.

I won’t speculate wildly that Netflix Games will become a separate subscription or anything that extreme. Still, as Craig from .biz notes, Netflix Stories performed far below chart-toppers like GTA: San Andreas and Squid Game Unleashed.

Given that, I expect a return to ports and more high-impact releases beyond the narrative genre. Meanwhile, a recent article by Paige at .biz suggests Netflix might explore party games to diversify its catalog. Jackbox, perhaps? Will and I discussed this on the latest Pocket Gamer Podcast, so stay tuned for that.

That said, there’s still plenty worth playing out there—especially if you check out our weekly roundup of the top five new mobile games to try!