Netflix Partways with Oxenfree Creator Evening College Studio: What It Means for the Gaming Landscape

Image by expertise of Evening College Studio

Oxenfree creator Evening College Studio has terminated an undisclosed number of employees.

Game Developer understands a small number of employees were let go at the Netflix Games studio, which was acquired by the streaming service in 2021 as a part of its growth into game development.

The layoffs reportedly may not impact the studio’s current project lineup.

According to current and former Evening College Studio employees, who requested anonymity, the layoffs came as a shock when they were announced in January, causing distress among team members.

Netflix opted not to comment when approached by Game Developer.

However, the layoffs occur as the company attempts to reorganize its online gaming business. In October 2024, Netflix shut down its only AAA studio, Group Blue, less than two years after it was revealed.

Before these cuts, Netflix hired former Narrative Games EVP of development, Alain Tascan, to head its online gaming division. At that time, Tascan mentioned the company was “uniquely positioned to redefine the future of gaming”—yet the subsequent layoffs suggest the company is uncertain about what that future actually looks like.

Following Tascan’s appointment, former Netflix Games head Mike Verdu shifted internally to become the new VP of GenAI.

Announcing the news on LinkedIn, Verdu stated the company would utilize generative AI tools to create “mind-blowing new experiences for players.” Like many other professionals who have advocated for the technology, it was a lengthy pitch filled with hype but lacking in specifics.

Netflix currently provides access to a variety of first and third-party titles through its Netflix Games platform, which is included with Netflix subscriptions at no extra cost.

At present, Netflix Games features over 80 mobile titles playable on Android and iOS smart devices—even though the company has begun offering access on TV, PC, and Mac as part of a beta experience available in select regions.

It remains unclear how well the service is performing, however, as Netflix generally prefers to keep engagement and revenue metrics confidential.

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