Creators of titles like Cozy Grove and Alphabear are parting ways with Netflix. According to reports from Game File, the studio known as Spry Fox is returning to its founding team and plans to develop its forthcoming cooperative village simulation, Spirit Crossing, on its own. This differs from the full closures of Netflix's previous studios, Team Blue and Boss Fight Entertainment, as the streaming giant will still handle mobile distribution for Spirit Crossing.
In this agreement, Spry Fox's co-founders David Edery and Daniel Cook gain the freedom to approach other companies for publishing console and PC editions of Spirit Crossing. Becoming independent again offers a more optimistic path compared to standard studio shutdowns, though potential hurdles persist. Game File notes that staff reductions could occur at the studio, which must secure fresh capital for ongoing viability. Adjustments to Spirit Crossing might also be necessary to enable ongoing revenue after initial sales.
Netflix brought Spry Fox on board in 2022, just more than a year following its purchase of Night School, the developers of Oxenfree. The studio debuted its initial Netflix offering in 2024, consisting of a follow-up to Cozy Grove. In March of the current year, Spry Fox introduced Spirit Crossing, a project designed to merge serene daily-life simulation mechanics reminiscent of Animal Crossing: New Horizons with the communal online interactions found in massive multiplayer games such as World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV.
Evidently, this vision no longer aligns with Netflix's updated gaming direction, which pivoted after Alain Tascan of Epic Games replaced Mike Verdu, the former Electronic Arts leader. During Verdu's tenure, Netflix Games expanded through studio buys, project investments, and a varied array of mobile experiences available to members. Tascan, however, has redirected efforts toward adaptations of Netflix-owned content, interactive social gatherings, and proven successes, as outlined by Game File. Spirit Crossing's mismatch with these focuses likely contributes to the split from Spry Fox.