As Netflix begins to invest more in the gaming industry it can now be revealed that the streaming giant has bought yet another videogame developer.
After acquiring Oxenfree developer Night School in 2021, Netflix has now bought Helsinki-based Next Games for €65 million (£53.86 million).
It is not the first time Netflix has been involved with the studio, previously Next Games worked on Netflix's Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales videogame which is available for all subscribers to the streaming service at no extra cost.
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Netflix gaming boss Mike Verdu who previously worked with Facebook and Electronic Arts said Next Games had "a seasoned management team, strong track record with mobile games based on entertainment franchises, and solid operational capabilities".
He added: "We are excited for Next Games to join Netflix as a core studio in a strategic region and key talent market, expanding our internal game studio capabilities.
"Next Games will help us build a world-class portfolio of games that our members around the world can enjoy."
Next Game's board of directors unanimously approved the acquisition and seem eager to begin working full-time on Netflix's upcoming videogames.
Petri Niemi, chair of the board at Next Games said: "The speed of consolidation in the games and entertainment industry is accelerating and the board of directors see a clear benefit for Next Games in joining forces with one of the largest entertainment companies in the world."
Alongside its Stranger Things game, Next Games has previously developed two games for AMC's popular show The Walking Dead.
Next Games founder and CEO Teemu Huuhtanen added: "Our close collaboration with Netflix on Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales has already proven that together we create a strong partnership.
"This is a unique opportunity to level up the studio on all fronts and continue on our mission together."
