Netflix to Remove Over 20 Popular Games, Including Hades and Monument Valley

Significant Game Culling Indicates Potential Challenges for Netflix Gaming Division

In a surprising move, Netflix is set to remove more than 20 mobile games from its platform in July, including beloved titles like Hades and Monument Valley. This development raises questions about the current health and future direction of Netflix’s gaming efforts. The latest reports from Engadget reveal that 22 games are scheduled to exit the streaming service’s gaming catalog. While the reasons behind this purge remain unclear, it appears to be part of a broader strategy or restructuring.

Details of the Upcoming Game Removals

Most of these games are expected to disappear around July 15, although specific dates may vary depending on the title. It is uncertain whether these games will become available elsewhere for mobile players, such as through other app stores or gaming platforms. Notably, some titles like Hades are currently only available on iOS devices, which could influence their future availability.

Games Leaving Netflix on July 1:

• Battleship
• Braid, Anniversary Edition
• Carmen Sandiego
• CoComelon: Play with JJ
• Death’s Door
• Diner Out: Merge Cafe
• Dumb Ways to Die
• Ghost Detective
• Hades (iOS only)
• Katana Zero
• Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
• Ludo King
• Monument Valley
• Monument Valley 2
• Monument Valley 3
• Rainbow Six: SMOL
• Raji: An Ancient Epic
• SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.
• TED Tumblewords
• The Case of the Golden Idol
• The Rise of the Golden Idol
• Vineyard Valley

Context Behind Netflix’s Gaming Strategy

This wave of removals comes amid ongoing questions about Netflix’s commitment to gaming. In a recent interview, Netflix’s President of Games, Alain Tascan, suggested that future generations might rely less on traditional gaming consoles, as industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware. This shift could be influencing Netflix’s approach to gaming content and platform development.

Recent Challenges and Strategic Shifts

Despite earlier optimism, Netflix’s gaming division has faced setbacks. In October 2024, Netflix shut down its AAA game studio based in Southern California, resulting in the departure of notable developers including former Overwatch executive producer Chacko Sonn, veteran Halo creative director Joseph Staten, and art director Rafael Grassetti. This move sparked widespread speculation about the company’s long-term gaming plans.

Interestingly, just months prior, Netflix claimed that its gaming service was performing better than ever. The company reported that gaming engagement had nearly tripled last year, driven significantly by the success of the GTA Trilogy release in late 2023. Netflix even described the GTA Trilogy as its most successful launch to date in terms of downloads and player engagement, with some users signing up specifically to enjoy these titles.

Vikki Blake is a seasoned journalist, critic, and columnist with over 15 years of experience working across major gaming publications. Her insights and analysis are shaped by her extensive background in the industry. She continues to follow the evolving landscape of gaming and streaming media, sharing her expertise through various platforms and columns.