Netflix Shuts Down Squid Game Reality Show Studio
▼ Summary
– Netflix’s gaming ambitions face setbacks with the closure of Boss Fight, the studio behind its Squid Game: Unleashed mobile game.
– Boss Fight’s CEO confirmed the shutdown and expressed pride in their work, noting the game reached #1 in 26 countries.
– Netflix had previously announced plans to increase investment in gaming to explore new monetization options.
– The streamer recently added five new TV-playable games, expanding its gaming offerings beyond mobile.
– Netflix canceled a major AAA multiplayer shooter project, citing genre mismatch with its platform rather than a retreat from ambitious games.
Netflix’s push into the video game sector has hit another significant roadblock with the closure of Boss Fight Entertainment, the development studio responsible for the popular mobile title Squid Game: Unleashed. This shutdown marks the latest in a series of strategic shifts for the streaming giant as it navigates the complexities of the gaming market. Despite previous assurances to investors about deepening its commitment to interactive entertainment, the move raises fresh questions about the company’s long-term gaming strategy.
David Rippy, CEO and co-founder of Boss Fight, confirmed the closure in a personal post on LinkedIn. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Netflix and pride in the team’s accomplishments. “Thank you to everyone who reached out today,” Rippy wrote. “It’s certainly difficult news, but I’m deeply appreciative of our time with Netflix. We collaborated with incredible individuals and created numerous games that I hold in high regard, especially Squid Game Unleashed, which reached the number one spot in 26 countries.” He encouraged other companies to consider hiring former Boss Fight employees, describing them as outstanding professionals, and mentioned that he and his co-founders plan to take a short break before exploring new ventures.
This development follows a statement last summer from Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters, who emphasized the company’s intention to accelerate gaming investments as a way to explore additional revenue streams. Just this month, Netflix expanded its gaming catalog with five new titles, Lego Party, Boggle Party, Pictionary: Game Night, Tetris Time Warp, and Party Crashers, all playable on television using a smartphone as a controller.
However, Netflix has also canceled other high-profile gaming initiatives. Earlier in 2024, the company terminated a major AAA multiplayer shooter project led by a team that included industry veteran Joe Staten, known for his work on Halo and Destiny. Alain Tascan, a Netflix gaming executive, later explained the decision to Bloomberg, clarifying that the cancellation was not a rejection of ambitious games in general. “I don’t want this to be interpreted as stepping back from large, ambitious projects,” Tascan stated. “It was more about the specific genre not aligning well with our platform. The team was exceptionally talented, but we may not have been the ideal partner to fully leverage their skills and expertise.”
(Source: Gamespot)