Netflix’s attempt to break into the video game industry by hiring a team of former Blizzard, Bungie, and Sony developers to create a AAA game has come to an end. The studio, known as Team Blue, was closed less than two years after its inception. This move was unexpected, especially after Netflix had made successful acquisitions of studios like Night School Studio and released games under its own branding.
In April 2023, Netflix Games announced the hiring of Joseph Staten, a renowned creative director known for his work on the Halo franchise, to lead the development of a new AAA multiplatform game and original IP. Staten joined other industry veterans like Blizzard producer Chacko Sonny and Sony Santa Monica’s art director Rafael Grassetti. This team was poised to create something groundbreaking, but unfortunately, their project will never see the light of day.
The closure of Netflix’s AAA studio is not uncommon in the gaming industry. Many publishers recruit top talent only to see projects fall through before completion. While the experience can be valuable, it often leads to disappointment for the team involved. This was the case for Typhoon Studios, acquired by Google before the release of Journey to the Savage Planet for Stadia. The team has since rebranded as Raccoon Logic and is working on a new game inspired by their past experiences.
Despite the closure of Team Blue, Staten, Sonny, and Grassetti still list Netflix as their place of work on LinkedIn. It appears that they were actively hiring new team members up until recently. The news of the studio’s closure has left many in the industry surprised and disappointed, as the potential for a successful AAA game from such a talented team seemed promising.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that entering the industry without prior experience can be challenging. While Netflix may have faced setbacks with Team Blue, their foray into gaming has not been entirely unsuccessful. With a focus on mobile gaming and strategic studio acquisitions, the streaming giant is still making waves in the gaming world.
We hope that the developers affected by the closure of Team Blue find new opportunities to showcase their talents and bring their creative visions to life. The gaming community eagerly anticipates their future projects and the potential for innovation and storytelling that they bring to the table.
