As a seasoned movie buff who’s seen more interactive films than I care to count, I find myself at a crossroads regarding Netflix’s decision to axe 20 of their experimental interactive specials. While I appreciate the need for technological evolution and focusing resources on new frontiers, it’s always bittersweet to see titles disappear from the platform.
20 titles labeled as “interactive specials” from the streaming platform will be taken down on December 1, according to The Verge. This action leaves only four of these experimental shows still accessible: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls, and You vs. Wild.
Bandersnatch wasn’t Netflix’s first interactive production; that distinction belongs to Puss in Boots: Trapped in an Epic Tale, which they took down this year. However, it was Black Mirror, particularly its Choose Your Own Adventure-inspired narrative, that truly showcased Netflix’s aspirations for interactive content. Viewers can actually influence the storyline by making decisions throughout the streamed experience, and the runtime varies from 40 to 90 minutes based on the path chosen by the viewer.
As a dedicated fan, I must share that while Bandersnatch remains a staple, other Black Mirror spin-offs are set to vanish from our streaming platform. Here’s the rundown of the specific titles we’ll be saying goodbye to:
- Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile (2017)
- Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout (2018)
- Captain Underpants Epic Choice-o-Rama (2020)
- The Boss Baby: Get That Baby! (2020)
- Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal (2020)
- Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure (2020)
- Animals on the Loose: A You vs. Wild Movie (2021)
- Escape The Undertaker (2021)
- Headspace: Unwind Your Mind (2021)
- Johnny Test’s Ultimate Meatloaf Quest (2021)
- The Last Kids on Earth: Happy Apocalypse to You (2021)
- Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Hidden Adventure (2022)
- Barbie Epic Road Trip (2022)
- Cat Burglar (2022)
- Trivia Quest (2022)
- Triviaverse (2022)
- Choose Love (2023)
- You vs. Wild: Out Cold (2021)
- We Lost Our Human (2023)
A Series Of Unfortunate Events For Gaming
According to Netflix spokesperson Chrissy Kelleher, “Although this technology worked well initially, it is no longer suitable as we shift our technological focus towards other areas.” In simpler terms, the interactive specials didn’t have a significant enough audience to justify storing them permanently on their servers.
The elimination of these 20 game titles represents another hurdle in Netflix’s plans for gaming expansion. Although they offer a variety of games accessible through their mobile app, including ones derived from popular reality TV series like “Love is Blind,” other gaming initiatives have not been successful.
For example, instead of setting up his own studio “Blue,” the streamer aimed to enter the world of AAA games, known for their high production costs and immense popularity among gamers. However, Netflix closed down the studio in October 2024 before any game was released. Netflix’s gaming head, Mike Verdu, revealed intentions to develop Netflix Games using generative AI, but it remains unclear how this technology will be integrated into Netflix’s future gaming projects.
Viewers have until the end of November 2024 to watch these titles, after which they won’t be available again permanently. For now, the four interactive specials still on Netflix are safe, but it’s uncertain whether they’ll continue to stay or follow in the footsteps of shows like “Puss in Boots” and the 20 other titles that could eventually vanish from the platform.
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2024-11-08 05:04