“The technology served its purpose, but is now limiting as we focus on technological efforts in other areas,” Chrissy Kelleher, head of Netflix Gaming Communications, said when explaining the decision to remove most of the platform’s interactive content. Netflix’s venture into interactive storytelling has been on the chopping block for some time.
Currently, there are 24 interactive specials on Netflix, but only four will remain: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch; Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend; Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls; and You vs. Wild. This means users will lose interactive titles like Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Hidden Adventure; The Boss Baby: Get That Baby!; and Captain Underpants Epic Choice-o-Rama. Notably, one of the most acclaimed experiments, Cat Burglar, a homage to classic animation, will also be removed.
Bandersnatch was among the earliest and most sophisticated of Netflix’s interactive offerings, alongside Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, which left the platform some time ago. Over the years, Netflix also experimented with other formats like Triviaverse, a game resembling a video game, and the daily trivia feature Trivia Quest.
These changes coincide with the recent announcement that Mike Verdu, former head of Netflix’s video game department, has taken on the role of vice president of GenAI for Games. Verdu confirmed the end of interactive episodes, signaling a shift toward AI-generated content. Just weeks ago, the company shut down Team Blue, a studio dedicated to pursuing AAA game productions, leaving the future of Netflix’s gaming ambitions uncertain.
Image | Netflix
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