Netflix has announced that it is purchasing 'Next Games,' a Finnish independent game production studio, for approximately $73 million USD, order to increase its gaming portfolio. Netflix has previously partnered with Next Games on its official 'Stranger Things' mobile game. On top of this, Netflix has recently launched its game streaming service 'Netflix games' on mobile phones as an addition to its media streaming service.
In order to increase the size and quality library of games available on Netflix games, the company will develop first-party games with Next Games. Aside from the Stranger Things game, Next Games has collaborated with Netflix on 'Walking Dead' games that were also received well. Due to this, it is likely that the company will release mobile games on its service that are themed around popular Netflix original series in the future.
Finnish Game Developer Acquisitions
Netflix is Purchasing Next Games to Build its Game Portfolio
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Game Streaming - Netflix's game streaming service 'Netflix games' and acquisition of 'Next Games' highlights the trend of mobile game streaming on media streaming platforms which presents opportunities for game developers and publishers.
2. Branded Mobile Games - Netflix's partnership with 'Next Games' to develop games based on Netflix original series highlights the trend of branded mobile games which presents revenue and brand building opportunities for both media streaming and game publishing industries.
3. Media Partnership and Acquisition - Netflix's acquisition of 'Next Games' and previous collaboration with the game developer highlights the trend of media companies partnering with or acquiring game studios for building and expanding their gaming portfolio and user base.
Industry Implications
1. Media Streaming - The acquisition of 'Next Games' by Netflix highlights the opportunity for media streaming companies to expand their offerings by providing mobile game streaming and branded games to their users.
2. Mobile Game Development - The partnership between Netflix and 'Next Games' presents an opportunity for game developers to expand their market and revenue by creating branded mobile games for popular media streaming platforms.
3. Mobile Gaming Publishing - The partnership between Netflix and 'Next Games' presents a revenue opportunity for mobile gaming publishers to partner with media streaming platforms for creating branded games in exchange for exposure and user acquisition.