Netflix Games is making significant changes to its lineup, with the decision to cancel the release of five upcoming games: Tales of the Shire, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, and Thirsty Suitors. This follows the recent announcement that Don't Starve Together would no longer be available on the platform. According to What's on Netflix, these cancellations are part of a larger strategic shift in Netflix's gaming offerings.
The move comes after insights from a recent Netflix investment call, which highlighted a pivot towards narrative-driven games, such as those featured in the successful Netflix Stories anthology. This strategic redirection suggests that Netflix is focusing more on games that align closely with their streaming content, which could impact the diversity of their gaming catalog.
The decision to shelve Tales of the Shire, a game backed by the popular Lord of the Rings franchise, is particularly notable. This move indicates that even high-profile titles are not immune to Netflix's new direction, setting a precedent that only games closely tied to Netflix's own content may be prioritized in the future.
While this news might be disappointing for fans eagerly awaiting these titles, it's a good time to explore the current offerings on Netflix Games. Our ranking of the top 10 best releases on the platform highlights some exceptional games that are still available, at least for now.
Hate to say I told you so... The abrupt shift in Netflix's gaming strategy was somewhat anticipated, given my earlier observations about their focus on content that promotes their streaming services. However, the swiftness of these cancellations was unexpected. It's a reminder that in the dynamic world of gaming and streaming, changes can happen quickly, and even beloved franchises like Lord of the Rings aren't safe from the proverbial axe.
