In case you didn't know, Netflix released its first Squid Game: Unleashed mobile game app when the show's third season aired earlier this year. Unfortunately, the developers who built the game app didn't live long enough, as Netflix has confirmed that Boss Fight, the game studio behind the app, will be shut down.

Studio Closure: Despite A Hit Mobile Launch

For context, Netflix acquired the game studio Boss Fight Entertainment in March 2022, positioning it as a linchpin for Netflix’s push into interactive gaming. At the time, Netflix praised Boss Fight’s “extensive experience building hit games across genres” as key to accelerating its ability to “provide Netflix members with great games wherever they want to play them.”

Despite the studio’s early success — most notably with the mobile title Squid Game: Unleashed (which hit #1 in free action games across more than 100 countries) — Boss Fight will be shut down as mentioned earlier. Studio co-founder David Rippy (via LinkedIn) thanked the team and acknowledged the “rough news.” Meanwhile, director of game development David Luehmann reflected: “After 10+ great years working at Boss Fight, the last few as part of Netflix, the time has come for the studio to close down.”

Strategic Shift: Focus Beyond Big Internal Studios

The closure underscores a larger recalibration of Netflix’s gaming strategy. After initially investing in in-house studios, the company appears to be pivoting toward smaller-scale, party-style or narrative games that link to its streaming IP. The move comes in an environment of broad industry consolidation and layoffs, making Netflix’s decision part of a wider trend.

What’s Next for Netflix Games?

While Boss Fight is closing, the games it developed — including Squid Game: Unleashed — are reported to remain available. Going forward, expect Netflix to lean more heavily on licensed IP, partnerships and cross-platform experiences rather than large-scale internal game studio builds. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.