Netflix acquires another developer to build ‘world class games’

Image: Netflix

Next Games is the developer of the mobile puzzle game Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales. Mike Verdu, the VP of games at the company, said in a post that the acquisition was to build a library of great games for the company's members to enjoy.

The acquisition comes as the company builds a mobile gaming service. There are a number of mobile games that are free to download from app stores for subscribers of the service, with no ads or in-app purchases.

Verdu writes that he is confident that Next Games will be able to build a portfolio of world class games that will delight our members around the world.

Many of the titles on the gaming service have been developed by external partners. Texas-based BonusXP is the developer of the two games based on the Stranger Things franchise. The game AsphaltXtreme has been licensed to be offered exclusively to its subscribers. The streaming giant acquired Next Games and Night School Studio last year and is hoping to develop more titles in-house.

The streaming giant has just five acquisitions associated with it on the website. Microsoft and Sony are making major developer acquisitions as a way of building out their respective gaming subscription services.

The board of directors of Next Games has recommended that shareholders accept the offer from Netflix. The cash per share offer is over double the closing price yesterday. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2022.

The series is being produced by The Verge.