Netflix is known across the globe as a go-to platform for watching movies and shows tailored to one’s personal tastes. However, the streaming giant branched out into the mobile gaming category about a year ago to expand its reputation. Since 2021, it’s been steadily building out a portfolio of games for subscribers. Those options will expand even further with help of video game developer Spry Fox.
The latest in a series of game studios being acquired by Netflix is Spry Fox, a Seattle-based mobile game creator. The company currently has six titles under its belt, including puzzle game Alphabear 2 and life simulator Cozy Grove. Its goal is to make “cozy” games that give people more ways to express and challenge themselves, according to Spry Fox.
“When David [Edery] and I founded Spry Fox 12 years ago, our goal was to create a place where kind, creative people could make beautiful, original games in a supportive environment that brought happiness to the people who played them,” Daniel Cook, co-founder of Spry Fox, said in a statement. “After many heartfelt conversations, we are all excited about joining Netflix as an in-house game studio and building amazing games together.”
Subscribers looking to take advantage of Netflix’s new offerings can explore the growing library on Android and iOS devices. When a user logs into the Netflix app on their phone or tablet, they’ll see a dedicated games row where they can select a game and download it.
Spry Fox will help Netflix in its goal to design games that suit any level of play and every kind of player. The acquisition will allow Netflix to accelerate its creative efforts as it expands into a new genre of games.
Over the past year, Netflix has brought several in-house studios onto its team. Recent additions include Texas-based Boss Fight Entertainment, California-based Night School Studio and Finland-based Next Games. These acquisitions have added genres like strategy role-play, player-driven narratives and more to Netflix’s offerings. Spry Fox will be the sixth addition to Netflix’s list of studios.
“We look forward to creating games with a studio whose values — a relentless focus on employee and player joy — align closely with ours,” Amir Rahimi, Netflix’s VP of game studios, said in a statement. “Our games journey has only just begun, but I’m proud of the foundational work we’ve been doing to build out our in-house creative capacity so that we can deliver the best possible games experience — including no ads and no in-app purchases — to our members as part of their membership.”
