Remember a few years ago Netflix has delved into the world of video games by creating interactive, choose-your-own-adventure films and television shows? Well, almost all of these strange experiments will be removed from the service next month without much warning.
In 2017, Netflix released its first interactive short film: The cat in the book. But it wasn’t until 2018 that most people really started paying attention to the streamer’s interactive output critically panned Black mirror particularly: Bandersnatch. The technology behind these early Choose Your Own Adventure-like productions was then used to create ca About 20 different shows and moviesincluding those based on Jurassic World, Carmen San Diego, And Boss baby. And almost all of these interactive titles will be removed from Netflix on December 2nd.
On November 5th The edge confirmed with Netflix that 20 of the 24 previously produced interactive specials and shows would no longer be available after December 1st. The only four that will remain in service after the purge are those already mentioned Black Mirror: Bandersnatchas well as Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Ranveer vs Wild with Bear GryllsAnd You versus wild.
“The technology served its purpose but is now being limited as we focus on technology efforts in other areas,” a Netflix spokesperson told The Verge.
It’s not all that surprising that Netflix is removing these interactive specials from the service. It was confirmed in January from Netflix gaming boss Mike Verdu that the company will no longer produce interactive titles. That too The cat in the book interactive special from 2017 apparently removed months ago without many people noticing.
Meanwhile, Netflix is also retreating from video game production after spending a lot of money and time trying to gain a foothold in the industry. end of October, Netflix has quietly shut down its major AAA games studioTeam Blue, after just two years and with nothing to show for it. And after Netflix fired those developers, now – just a few days later –announces its plans to use generative AI to create games. I can’t wait for Netflix to abandon this plan in a year or two, lay off more people, and try a different pivot to games.
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