Netflix has revealed that it’s going to remove most of the interactive TV shows from its library and stop focusing on the technology in new productions. Instead, it wants to focus more on video games with generative artificial intelligence.
From December 1, the bulk of Netflix’s interactive titles will be gone, so if you were planning on watching/playing them, you’ll need to do so soon to avoid disappointment.
After that date, 20 titles will be scrapped, leaving only four of the most popular ones: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls, You vs. Wild., and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend.
In a statement to The Verge, Netflix said that the interactive technology was somewhat limited and has now “served its purpose”.
Netflix kicked off its interactive titles with the launch of Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale in 2017, and followed up with other interactive shows based on franchises such as Boss Baby and Carmen Sandiego. It later expanded the format to a couple of trivia games that could be played with friends. However, the fact it only ever created a limited selection of such titles suggests they really weren’t that popular, and Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, hasn’t been available for some time already.
As for the push towards generative AI in games, that also comes as a surprise considering that Netflix recently announced it had canceled its plans to develop its own AAA games. However, while it shut down its flagship game studio based in Los Angeles, it continues to operate smaller indie studios and reportedly has around 125 games currently in development.
Mike Verdu, who is the new Vice President of GenAI for Games at Netflix, wrote on LinkedIn that what happened in the last few months was a “planned transition”, adding that the company has long since dedicated to focus on generative AI in gaming.
"I'm focused on a creator-first vision for AI, one that centers on creative talent, with AI serving as a catalyst and accelerator,” Verdu said. “AI will enable large game teams to move much faster and give smaller teams access to capabilities that were previously unimaginable.”
For now, Netflix’s games are exclusively available on mobile devices, though the company is reportedly working on a cloud gaming service that will expand them to TVs and other devices, like PCs.
