More than a year after its debut on the platform, Netflix has announced the removal of the critically acclaimed game Hades from its gaming service, effective July 1. Developed by Supergiant Games and released in 2018, Hades received widespread praise for its engaging gameplay, compelling narrative, and unique characters. It was a standout title, earning accolades such as Game of the Year and Action Game of the Year at the 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, as well as making history as the first video game to win a Hugo Award. Despite its successes and a relatively brief availability on Netflix, the game, along with approximately 20 other titles, is being retired from the service.
The gameplay of Hades is lauded for its fluid mechanics and captivating storytelling, focusing on the protagonist’s journey through the underworld. Players not only navigate intense combat but also engage with a rich cast of characters, each offering unique backstories that enhance the emotional depth of the game. The experience is so immersive that many players, including myself, have connected deeply with the characters, even when facing them as adversaries. The convenience of playing Hades on my iPhone has added to its appeal, as it allowed for gaming on the go—something that will be missed when the title is removed.
Hades is not alone in its removal; Netflix is also discontinuing several other popular games, including the Monument Valley trilogy—an iconic puzzle series that recently saw the release of its third installment on Netflix Games. Other notable titles facing removal include Braid: Anniversary Edition, Carmen Sandiego, and Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed, with the last day to play these games set for July 14. This sweeping change is significant, given the broad array of gaming options Netflix has offered since venturing into the gaming sphere.
Netflix Games has recently undergone strategic shifts, marked by the introduction of new titles aimed at adapting popular Netflix series into engaging gaming experiences. Co-CEO Greg Peters stated that the company plans to focus more on recognizable titles, including licensed properties and original content based on Netflix’s intellectual properties. This pivot indicates a desire to create a more cohesive experience between streaming shows and their corresponding games, emphasizing narrative-driven gameplay reminiscent of the stories told on screen.
In line with this strategy, Netflix recently launched Thronglets, a game tied to the Black Mirror series, coinciding with the release of the show’s seventh season. This approach aims to deepen viewer engagement by bridging narrative elements from the show with interactive gameplay. As Netflix explores this new direction for its games catalog, it also signals a shift toward more mainstream gaming experiences that resonate with a broader audience, potentially drawing in subscribers who appreciate both gaming and streaming media.
For subscribers of Netflix, games are included within the monthly subscription fee, offering access through the Netflix app on mobile devices. While the removal of beloved games like Hades is disappointing, it reflects Netflix’s ongoing evolution in the gaming sector. As the company continues to adjust its strategy, focusing on narrative experiences tied to its original content, users can anticipate both new titles and innovations that seek to redefine the synergy between gaming and streaming.
