Netflix shuts down Night School Studio after five years
The landscape of media ownership is constantly shifting, but sometimes the most dramatic changes happen behind the scenes—in the acquisition strategies of massive corporations.
Five years ago, in 2021, Netflix made a significant move to expand its reach beyond film and television. In a bid to gain more influence over the games industry, the streaming giant acquired Night School Studio, the developer behind popular titles like Oxenfree and Afterparty. This acquisition marked a landmark moment, as it became the first studio ever brought into Netflix’s fold.
However, this strategic partnership has come to an abrupt end. Just six weeks after Night School released their latest title, the Netflix exclusive Unhinged, the streaming giant initiated a series of shutdowns involving the acquired studios.
Netflix has now decided to shutter both Night School Studio and Moonloot, another development house they owned but had not yet seen release a game. This move signals a clear pivot away from direct ownership or support of independent creative ventures once their immediate goals have been met.
The story highlights the complex relationship between content creators and corporate owners. While acquisitions are often framed as opportunities for growth, these actions remind us that in the high-stakes world of entertainment, strategic decisions about development houses can be just as volatile as any blockbuster release.
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