- The closure of Netflix’s internal studio Team Blue marks the end of a two-year project aimed at expanding Netflix’s gaming offerings beyond mobile platforms.
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Reports from Game File indicate that Netflix has shut down its California-based studio Team Blue, which was established in October 2022 with industry veterans such as Overwatch executive producer Chacko Sonny, Halo creative lead Joseph Staten, and God of War art director Rafael Grassetti onboard to create games for Netflix subscribers.
The closure of Team Blue demonstrates a shift in Netflix’s gaming strategy. Staten had joined the studio in 2023 to work on a new triple-A multi-platform game and original IP, indicating ambitions beyond mobile gaming.
A Netflix spokesperson confirmed the closure of Team Blue and the departure of key team members. The exact number of employees affected by the decision remains unknown.
According to a report from Business Insider, Netflix has recently undergone a company shakeup, including the recruitment of Epic Games VP Jeet Shroff as VP of game technology and portfolio development, and layoffs that included members of Team Blue.
Strategic Changes at Netflix
The closure of Team Blue follows the appointment of Alain Tascan as Netflix’s new president of games, replacing former games VP Mike Verdu. Tascan, who previously worked at Epic Games, is tasked with redefining Netflix’s gaming strategy.
In a recent investor call, co-CEO Greg Peters mentioned a significant increase in engagement with Netflix’s games, but acknowledged that the impact on the overall business remains limited due to the scale of the gaming division.
