Netflix Shuts Down ‘Squid Game’ Game Studio: Gaming Shift
In a significant and surprising move that signals a strategic recalibration of its interactive entertainment ambitions, Netflix has shut down Boss Fight Entertainment. The Texas-based development studio, acquired by the streaming giant just over two years ago, was actively developing a mobile game based on the platform's monumental hit series, Squid Game.
The news first emerged through social media posts from affected employees before being confirmed by David Rippy, the CEO and co-founder of Boss Fight Entertainment. In a public post on LinkedIn, Rippy addressed the difficult news and expressed his appreciation for his team and their time together.
What We Know About the Studio Closure
Boss Fight Entertainment was acquired by Netflix in March 2022, part of a wave of acquisitions designed to bolster the streamer's in-house game development capabilities. The studio was founded by industry veterans with a notable pedigree, having previously worked at Zynga and the legendary Ensemble Studios, the creators of the Age of Empires series. Before its acquisition, Boss Fight was best known for the mobile RPG Dungeon Boss.
Under Netflix's ownership, the studio developed Netflix Stories: Love is Blind, an interactive narrative game tied to the popular reality TV show. However, its most anticipated project was Squid Game: Unleashed, a game intended to let players experience the world of the record-breaking Korean drama.
This is the second major studio closure for Netflix Games in the past year. In 2023, the company closed its Helsinki-based game studio, which was formed from the acquisition of Next Games. The pattern suggests Netflix is actively consolidating its resources and re-evaluating which teams and projects align with its evolving strategy.
The Fate of ‘Squid Game: Unleashed’ and Other Titles
A primary concern for subscribers and industry watchers is the future of the games developed by Boss Fight Entertainment. According to reports, existing titles like Netflix Stories: Love is Blind will remain live and playable for Netflix subscribers. The company is committed to maintaining the games currently available as part of its subscription service.
However, the future of the highly anticipated Squid Game: Unleashed is now uncertain. The game was still in development at the time of the studio's closure. Netflix has not yet issued a public statement on whether the project will be shelved indefinitely or potentially passed to another development team to complete. The shutdown of its creators casts serious doubt on its path forward.
This development leaves a significant gap in Netflix's gaming portfolio, as a title connected to its most successful series ever held immense potential for engaging a massive global audience.
Netflix's Evolving Gaming Ambitions
Since officially launching its gaming initiative, Netflix has been clear about its goal: to add value to its core streaming subscription without relying on in-app purchases or advertisements. The company has steadily built a library of mobile games, available for free to all subscribers, spanning a wide range of genres from casual puzzles to deep narrative experiences like those from its acclaimed acquisition, Night School Studio (Oxenfree).
The shutdown of Boss Fight Entertainment does not appear to signal an exit from the gaming space. Instead, it points to a more focused, and perhaps more ruthless, approach to its interactive division. Observers speculate that Netflix is prioritizing studios and projects that deliver the highest engagement or best align with its core IP strategy.
This move could indicate a shift towards:
- Focusing on proven performers: Doubling down on internal studios that have already launched successful titles or are a better strategic fit.
- Streamlining operations: Consolidating teams to reduce overhead and improve efficiency within the gaming division.
- Prioritizing quality over quantity: Ensuring that every game released meets a high bar and contributes meaningfully to the value of a Netflix subscription.
While the closure is undoubtedly a difficult event for the talented developers at Boss Fight, it underscores the volatile and competitive nature of the video game industry. For Netflix, it is a clear sign that its gaming experiment is entering a new phase of maturation, where tough business decisions are made to forge a sustainable and successful path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What studio did Netflix shut down? Netflix has closed Boss Fight Entertainment, a mobile game development studio headquartered in Texas that it acquired in March 2022.
What games was Boss Fight Entertainment known for? For Netflix, the studio developed Netflix Stories: Love is Blind and was in the process of creating Squid Game: Unleashed. Before being acquired, the studio was known for the mobile RPG Dungeon Boss.
Will the ‘Squid Game’ mobile game still be released? The future of Squid Game: Unleashed is currently unknown. With the closure of the studio developing it, the project's release is now in serious doubt unless Netflix assigns it to a different team.
Is Netflix getting out of the video game business? No, this move does not appear to be an exit from gaming. Rather, it is seen as a strategic consolidation and a re-focusing of its resources as Netflix continues to build its interactive entertainment division.