Netflix Scraps ‘Stories’ Mobile Games Franchise Based on ‘Love Is Blind,’ ‘Virgin River’ and More IP

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Netflix is discontinuing the production of games for “Netflix Stories,” a collection of interactive fiction games primarily centered around romance and dating-themed series. Instead, their new gaming strategy will focus on mobile titles, encompassing party games, narrative games, children’s games, and mainstream games, as well as those compatible with TV viewing. As part of the reorganization, an unspecified number of staff members have been let go from this division.

Previously, Netflix put significant resources into its “Stories” collection, hosting a variety of interactive story games inspired by popular shows such as “Virgin River,” “Love is Blind,” “Emily in Paris,” “Outer Banks,” and “Perfect Match.” The latest addition was the “Sweet Magnolias” game in February. However, contrary to previous plans, a game based on the “Ginny & Georgia” TV series will not be published.

The change in approach towards gaming at Netflix occurred after Alain Tascan, who became president of games at Netflix last summer, joined the company. Under Tascan’s new leadership, Netflix has decided to abandon further development of games for Netflix Stories. However, existing games from the franchise will continue to be accessible on the Netflix app.

Or, more concisely:

Netflix’s strategy in gaming shifted when Alain Tascan, appointed as president of games last summer, joined the company. As a result, Netflix has canceled plans for additional games under Netflix Stories, but existing games will still be playable on the app.

Tascan failed to bring up the cancellation of Netflix Stories earlier this month during his meeting with reporters on March 19 at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Instead, he focused on the streamer’s gaming strategy, stating that their efforts should align with the overall mission of Netflix to avoid becoming a mere distraction.

Despite closing its Team Blue studio, which was working on a major shooter game, Netflix remains committed to its gaming strategy. Contrary to some speculation, this move does not signal a decrease in Netflix’s ambition within the gaming industry. On the contrary, it’s essential to emphasize that this decision doesn’t equate to a reduction in our aspirations for the gaming space, as expressed by Tascan during an interview with EbMaster.

During GDC, Tascan unveiled the upcoming life-simulation game “Spirit Crossing,” which resembles Studio Ghibli’s fantastical style, produced by Netflix’s Spry Fox studio. This game will be a massive multiplayer online experience. Additionally, he detailed strategies for motivating players of games derived from Netflix IP, such as the mobile game based on “Squid Game,” and how Netflix is exploring methods to combine linear and interactive storytelling across series like “Bridgerton.

Since Netflix entered the mobile gaming market in 2021, their “Netflix Stories” app has been a go-to spot for many users. By 2024, Netflix executives planned to roll out a new game from the series every month.

More recent content has incorporated two interactive stories from Netflix: “Netflix Stories: A Perfect Couple,” a nine-part tale with four varying conclusions, which draws upon themes from the Netflix limited series adaptation of “The Perfect Couple.” Additionally, there’s “Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas,” a four-chapter narrative that transports players to Virgin River during Christmas and involves the show characters Mel, Jack, Preacher, Hope, and Doc in holiday-themed activities with the player.

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2025-03-28 04:16