Netflix is making another big change in its gaming division, with the company reportedly selling Spry Fox back to its original founders. It is said that “Spry Fox” will continue to develop “Spirit Crossing” and Netflix will still release the mobile version in 2025. The move marks a shift for the studio Netflix acquired in 2022, as the company re-evaluates its long-term game plan and reorganizes its team to fit its updated strategy. Netflix has yet to officially confirm the move.
Spry Fox returns to independent status under co-founder
According to a report from Game File (via Engadget), Netflix is selling Spry Fox back to its original founders. The Seattle-based studio, which was acquired by Netflix in 2022, will return to independent status under the leadership of co-founders David Edery and Daniel Cook.
There may be layoffs at Spry Fox, and the studio may need new funding to support long-term growth. Netflix did not respond to the publication’s request for comment on its decision to part ways with Spry Fox.
Spry Fox is developing Spirit Crossing as part of Netflix’s in-house game lineup, and reports suggest the studio will continue developing the game after the spinoff. Netflix will remain the publisher of the mobile version, scheduled for release in 2025, while Spry Fox could pursue more partners for console and PC versions. Spirit Crossing, still in alpha testing, is described as a cooperative village life simulation focused on building community, with more than four years in development.
The decision appears to reflect a broader change in Netflix’s gaming strategy, the report said. The streaming company has already scaled back some of its internal operations, including shutting down Team Blue in 2023. The team was formed to develop a large-scale multi-platform game, but by mid-2024 it will no longer be aligned with Netflix’s updated priorities.
The shift reportedly begins with Alain Tascan taking over Netflix’s gaming division in late 2024. Under the new direction, Netflix will focus on games related to its own franchises, party games, and projects with more predictable performance. The report stated that “Soul Crossing” is an original IP that combines MMO and life simulation game elements and is no longer suitable for this approach.
Founded in 2010, Spry Fox has previously released games such as Triple Town, Alphabear, and Cozy Grove. After joining Netflix, the studio released the Netflix game “Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit” in 2024.
Netflix’s gaming division has gone through a number of changes in recent years. It has removed some games, shuttered internal teams, and shifted its catalog toward party games, narrative games, and projects related to Netflix IP. The company recently announced new TV and mobile games, including PAW Patrol Academy, WWE 2K25 and Red Dead Redemption.
