Netflix Cancels Five Upcoming Releases Including Don't Starve Together

It seems that Netflix Games is undergoing a significant shift in its lineup, with five more upcoming releases set to be removed from their roster. This follows the recent news that Don't Starve Together would no longer be making its way to the service. Among the titles now on the chopping block are Tales of the Shire, Compass Point: West, Lab Rat, Rotwood, and Thirsty Suitors. These games are either being shelved indefinitely or are set to launch elsewhere, according to What's on Netflix, which cited a source from the streaming service.

This move is part of a larger overhaul of Netflix's gaming catalog, which aligns with their strategic pivot towards narrative-driven games. A recent investment call highlighted their intention to focus more on titles like the Netflix Stories anthology, which have proven successful in promoting their streaming content.

Hate to say I told you so... The announcement came as an unpleasant surprise, though not entirely unexpected. I had previously speculated that Netflix's focus on releases that bolster their streaming content might impact their broader gaming offerings. However, the abruptness of these cancellations was unforeseen.

While it's disappointing to see games like Don't Starve Together and Compass Point: West not making it to Netflix Games, the removal of Tales of the Shire—a game tied to the beloved Lord of the Rings franchise—sets a concerning precedent. It suggests that even high-profile titles are not immune to being cut if they don't align with Netflix's new strategy of promoting their own content.

Given these developments, now might be a good time to explore what Netflix Games still has to offer. Check out our ranking of the top 10 best releases on Netflix Games to enjoy some of the stunning entries that remain, at least for the time being.