Netflix is making another acquisition to bolster its burgeoning video games business.
In a pair of press releases, it has been revealed that Netflix has agreed to buy Next Games — the Finnish games developer whose credits include the Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales mobile game — for €65 million (about $94 million CAD).
In a blog post, Netflix’s vice president of games Mike Verdu said that the acquisition was to help the company “build a library of great games for our members to enjoy.” Next Games has also developed a pair of Walking Dead-themed mobile games.
“Next Games has a seasoned management team, strong track record with mobile games based on entertainment franchises, and solid operational capabilities,” said Verdu.
“We are excited for Next Games to join Netflix as a core studio in a strategic region and key talent market, expanding our internal game studio capabilities. While we’re just getting started in games, I am confident that together with Next Games we will be able to build a portfolio of world-class games that will delight our members around the world.”
Founded in 2013, Next Games specializes in producing games wrapped around entertainment franchises, including popular films, TV series, or books. Created “for fans for fans,” the platform first struck gold with its The Walking Dead: Our World, and The Walking Dead: No Mans Land titles, and has seen meteoric success in its latest output, Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales.
“We have had an unwavering focus to execute on our vision: to become the partner of choice for global entertainment businesses and craft authentic and long-lasting interactive entertainment based on the world’s most beloved franchises,” said Teemu Huuhtanen, Next Games’ CEO, in a company statement.
“Joining forces with the world’s largest streaming service, Netflix presents an opportunity for a logical and exciting continuation of our strategy to craft interactive experiences for the world to enjoy … This is a unique opportunity to level up the studio on all fronts and continue on our mission together.”
Netflix only announced its push into video games last summer, with an initial focus on mobile games that will be added to the company’s existing subscription offering. It’s the first slate of games launched in November, including two Stranger Things-themed titles.
