Netflix Games has recently made a significant shift in its gaming strategy, deciding to cancel five upcoming releases, including highly anticipated titles like Tales of the Shire and Rotwood. This move follows the unexpected announcement that Don't Starve Together would no longer be available on the platform, signaling a broader overhaul of their gaming lineup.
According to What's on Netflix, a reliable source from the service confirmed that the following games will not be joining Netflix Games: Don't Starve Together, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, Tales of the Shire, and Thirsty Suitors. These titles are either being shelved indefinitely or will launch on other platforms.
This decision comes on the heels of a recent investment call where Netflix indicated a strategic pivot towards narrative-driven games, similar to their successful Netflix Stories anthology. This shift suggests a focus on content that aligns more closely with their streaming offerings.
The abrupt nature of these cancellations came as a surprise, especially given the anticipation surrounding games like Tales of the Shire, which is backed by the popular Lord of the Rings franchise. This move sets a precedent that only Netflix's own tie-in content might be safe from future cancellations.
Given these developments, now might be a good time to explore our ranking of the top 10 best releases currently available on Netflix Games. Despite the changes, there are still some remarkable games to enjoy on the platform.