Overwatch producer on board for brand spanking new SoCal digs

Netflix Video games continues in its efforts to boisterously turn into a part of the gaming trade at giant — The fledgling outfit has not solely introduced the opening of a model new studio, its fifth developer to this point, however can be at present wanting into the probabilities of launching its personal cloud gaming service. The information was introduced by Netflix VP of Gaming Mike Verdu throughout a presentation at TechCrunch Disrupt.

The brand new growth studio, which might be established in Southern California, might be headed up by trade veteran Chacko Sonny, who beforehand labored for Activision Blizzard as the chief producer of enviornment shooter Overwatch. Sonny left the writer within the fall of 2021, one among a variety of high-profile departures within the wake of the corporate’s Californian lawsuit and myriad poisonous office allegations.

Along with the reveal of the brand new studio, Verdu additionally famous that Netflix Video games was “critically exploring” the potential for a cloud gaming service. Verdu urged that this service could be a “worth add”, versus its personal distinct platform — That is clearly a definite effort to distance the potential Netflix service from Google’s “Stadia” mannequin, which introduced its closure earlier this month.

The newly established studio, together with the exploration into the world of cloud gaming, represents the most recent steps in Netflix’ efforts to carve itself a bit of the profitable gaming pie. Already constructing a portfolio of in-house builders, Verdu surmised that the studio had 55 video games at present within the works, with at the very least half based mostly upon Netflix personal vary of IPs.

For probably the most half, Netflix Video games has targeted on the cellular gaming market — with gaming releases based mostly on Netflix franchises equivalent to Stranger Issues in addition to its personal authentic titles — although it clearly has some critical ambition on deck.  Thus, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the corporate finally department out into producing extra video games for dwelling console platforms sooner or later.

Netflix to increase into cloud gaming, opens new studio in Southern California [TechCrunch]