The American content streaming platform, Netflix has bought video game creator Night School Studio and rolled out five mobile gaming titles in selected European markets.
The move is in line with the company’s vision to diversify its revenue sources amid intensifying competition in the streaming space. During its last quarterly earnings, Netflix had mentioned its plans to enter gaming, as newer players like Disney+ and HBO Max have been rapidly gaining subscribers.
Night School Studio, Netflix’s first gaming studio purchase, is best known for its debut game, “Oxenfree”, a supernatural teen thriller. Night School confirmed the acquisition separately by stating it’s “a surreal honor to be the first games studio to join Netflix.” However, the terms of the acquisition weren’t disclosed.
The studio’s games, which are available on Sony’s PlayStation, Microsoft’s Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PCs, will be the first non-mobile titles in Netflix’s newly created video game portfolio.
Founded by Mr. Sean Krankel and Mr. Adam Hines in 2014, Night School Studio is known for its debut title, the supernatural mystery adventure Oxenfree. Netflix plans to make games a part of its subscription, with no ads or in-app purchases.
“We’ll continue working with developers around the world and hiring the best talent in the industry to deliver a great collection of exclusive games,” Mr. Mike Verdu, vice president of game development, Netflix, said in the blog post.
The deal shows Netflix is advancing on its ambition to make video games an important extension of its online streaming business. The timing of its debut in that business is still up in the air, Netflix’s Co-Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ted Sarandos said.
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