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

Netflix has been making some strategic adjustments to its gaming offerings, and this year's lineup reflects a significant shift in their approach. They've unveiled an exciting list of upcoming shows and games, but eagle-eyed fans have noticed the absence of several previously announced titles. Notably, Netflix Games has decided to drop Don’t Starve Together from its mobile lineup, and it's not the only game to face the axe.

Six Games Removed from Netflix's Lineup

The streaming giant has pulled the plug on six games that were once part of their mobile gaming portfolio. If you were eagerly anticipating titles like 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 for your gaming fix.

This move is part of Netflix's effort to refine its gaming strategy, focusing on narrative-driven games and titles inspired by their popular shows and movies. This isn't the first time Netflix has made such a decision; Crashlands 2 was another game that was removed from their lineup, even after beta testing had commenced in some regions.

What's Next for the Canceled Games?

Despite being dropped by Netflix, most of these games are still set to launch on other platforms. Don’t Starve Together, initially announced in June 2024 as one of three Klei Entertainment games coming to Netflix, will now be available on mobile through Playdigious. Similarly, Lab Rat and Rotwood, the other two Klei titles, have also been excluded from Netflix's plans, with Rotwood continuing its journey on Steam in early access.

Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game, a cozy life sim originally slated for a fall 2024 release, has been delayed to early 2025. The removal of the Netflix Games logo from its website further confirms that it won't be part of Netflix's lineup anymore.

Compass Point: West, developed by Next Games—a studio owned by Netflix—was one of the first titles announced for the platform, making its cancellation particularly surprising.

Lastly, Thirsty Suitors, a stylish, story-driven RPG developed by Outerloop Games and published by Annapurna Interactive for Steam and consoles, was set to come to mobile via Netflix but has now been excluded.

Netflix's New Direction

Netflix is clearly pivoting towards games that tie into their existing content, as evidenced by their focus on Netflix Stories, which will introduce popular shows like Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias later this year. This strategic shift underscores Netflix's commitment to enhancing their gaming portfolio with titles that resonate with their audience's preferences.

For more on what Netflix Games is currently offering, you can explore their selections on the Google Play Store. And while you're at it, don't miss out on the latest news about Netflix Stories adding Ginny & Georgia and Sweet Magnolias later this year.