Netflix Games is undergoing a significant shift in its lineup, with five upcoming releases no longer making their way to the platform. Titles such as Tales of the Shire, Rotwood, and others have been confirmed to be either indefinitely shelved or set to launch elsewhere. This follows the recent announcement that Don't Starve Together would also not be joining the service.
According to What's on Netflix, a reliable source within the service has confirmed these cancellations as part of a broader overhaul of their gaming catalog. The full list of affected games includes Don't Starve Together, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, Tales of the Shire, and Thirsty Suitors. This move aligns with Netflix's recent strategy shift, as highlighted in an investment call, towards focusing more on narrative-driven releases akin to their successful Netflix Stories anthology.
The news came as an unexpected jolt, especially considering my earlier speculation that Netflix's pivot to content promoting their streaming services might impact their gaming offerings. While the absence of games like Don't Starve Together and Compass Point: West is notable, the cancellation of Tales of the Shire—a game tied to the immensely popular Lord of the Rings franchise—signals a clear message: only Netflix's own tie-in content seems secure from being cut.
In light of these developments, it might be a good time to explore our ranking of the top 10 best releases currently available on Netflix Games. These titles offer a fantastic gaming experience, and it's worth enjoying them while they're still part of the service.
Hate to say I told you so...