In a move that continues its expansion into digital entertainment, Netflix is setting up an internal game development studio in Helsinki, Finland.
This brings the streamer’s tally up to four gaming studios, including Helsinki’s Next Games, LA’s Night School Studio and Texas-based Boss Fight Entertainment, all of which have been acquired in the past year.
Marko Lastikka, a former senior executive at both Zynga and Electronic Arts in Helsinki, has been appointed as the new studio’s director. Finland’s thriving games industry enticed Netflix to establish a base there, joining major developers such as Rovio (Angry Birds), Supercell (Clash of Clans) and Seriously Digital Entertainment (Best Fiends).
Netflix launched its first games in 2021 and has since expanded its portfolio to 31 titles spanning the action, puzzle, arcade, simulation and adventure categories. To broaden the appeal and reach of its games, the streamer is targeting all age groups and excluding both ads and in-app purchases. Netflix subscribers can play the games on mobile devices via separately installed apps.
Netflix has also continued investing in interactive specials, launching kids titles including Battle Kitty and Captain Underpants: Epic Choice-o-Rama.