Netflix Games Scraps Six Upcoming Indie Games From Their Roster Including Don’t Starve Together

Netflix's recent announcements regarding its gaming lineup have revealed some significant changes. While the streamer unveiled a list of upcoming games and shows, several previously announced titles are no longer part of the plan. This includes six games dropped from the Netflix Games mobile platform.

Six Games Removed from Netflix Games

Netflix has quietly removed six games from its mobile gaming roster: Don't Starve Together, Tales of the Shire, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, and Thirsty Suitors. These cancellations represent a shift in Netflix's gaming strategy.

This isn't unprecedented; Crashlands 2 suffered a similar fate, even after beta testing commenced in some regions. The move suggests a strategic pivot away from indie titles towards narrative-driven games and those based on Netflix's existing IP. This is exemplified by the upcoming additions to Netflix Stories, featuring adaptations of popular shows like Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias.

The Fate of the Removed Titles

Despite their removal from Netflix Games, most of these games are still slated for release on other platforms.

• Don't Starve Together, initially planned as a mobile exclusive via Netflix, will now launch on mobile through Playdigious.
• Rotwood, another title affected, remains in early access on Steam.
• Tales of the Shire, a Lord of the Rings game, has been delayed until early 2025, and the Netflix Games logo has been removed from its website, confirming its absence from the Netflix platform.
• The cancellation of Compass Point: West, developed by Netflix-owned Next Games, is particularly noteworthy.
• Thirsty Suitors, while initially planned for a Netflix mobile release, will launch on Steam and consoles.

This restructuring of Netflix's gaming portfolio highlights a strategic realignment, emphasizing narrative-focused games and IP-driven titles over a broader selection of indie games. For those interested in the remaining Netflix Games offerings, the Google Play Store provides a comprehensive list.