Netflix Cancels Six Indie Games, Including Don’t Starve Together

Netflix has been making some significant adjustments to its gaming lineup, and fans have taken notice. The streaming giant recently released its list of upcoming shows and games for the year, which, while exciting, also revealed some surprising absences. Notably, Netflix Games has decided to drop several previously announced titles from its mobile gaming portfolio, including the much-anticipated Don’t Starve Together.

Six Games That Didn't Make the Cut

If you were eagerly awaiting the chance to play Don’t Starve Together, Tales of the Shire, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, or Thirsty Suitors through Netflix Games, you'll need to look elsewhere. These six games have been removed from Netflix's mobile lineup as the company refines its gaming strategy.

This isn't the first instance of Netflix pulling games post-announcement. Another title, Crashlands 2, was also removed even after beta testing had commenced in certain regions. This reflects a broader shift in Netflix's approach to gaming, with a clear pivot towards narrative-driven games and those based on their popular series and films. For example, Netflix Stories is set to include shows like Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias later this year.

What Happens to the Promised Games?

Despite their removal from Netflix's lineup, many of these games will still see the light of day on other platforms. Don’t Starve Together, initially announced in June 2024 as one of three Klei Entertainment titles coming to Netflix, is now set to launch on mobile through Playdigious, which is handling the port.

Similarly, Lab Rat and Rotwood, the other two Klei titles, have been dropped by Netflix but are not entirely out of the game. Rotwood, for instance, is currently available in early access on Steam.

Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game, a cozy life simulator expected to launch in fall 2024, has been delayed to early 2025. The absence of the Netflix Games logo from its website further confirms its departure from the Netflix lineup.

Compass Point: West, developed by Next Games (a studio owned by Netflix), was among the earliest titles announced for the platform, making its cancellation particularly noteworthy.

Lastly, Thirsty Suitors, a stylish, story-driven RPG by Outerloop Games and published by Annapurna Interactive, was slated for a mobile release via Netflix but has now been excluded.

Where to Go From Here?

While these games won't be available through Netflix, fans can still explore other offerings on the Google Play Store. As for Netflix, they continue to evolve their gaming strategy, focusing on titles that align with their narrative strengths and popular franchises.

For more on Netflix's gaming and entertainment ventures, be sure to check out the latest news on Netflix Stories adding Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias later this year.