The streaming giant Netflix has agreed to purchase the Estonian firm Ready Player Me, known for its technology that enables gamers to transfer customized avatars across various titles. CEO Timmu Tõke announced the deal on LinkedIn. This move aligns with Netflix's evolving gaming initiatives, focusing on user-friendly multiplayer experiences and titles based on its popular shows and movies.
According to TechCrunch, the roughly 20-person team from Ready Player Me will join Netflix's workforce, with only founder Tõke remaining from the original group of four after the deal closes. Details remain undisclosed about the timeline for integrating the avatar technology into Netflix's offerings or which specific games will include the capability.
Ready Player Me's platform stands out for its developer-friendly design, allowing simple integration into titles. A key feature involves artificial intelligence that adapts avatars to match diverse visual aesthetics in games and seamlessly adjusts elements to fit any character model structure, eliminating the need for hands-on adjustments.
Over recent years, Netflix has experimented with various gaming strategies, shifting away from high-budget blockbusters and larger-scale endeavors in more recent efforts. Beyond launching its version of the trivia game HQ Trivia, the company's 2025 reveals centered on accessible social gaming collections for streaming and a collaboration with FIFA for a 2026 football simulation. These initiatives present opportunities for avatar integration, leaving Netflix to determine the implementation approach.