Don't Starve Together's Mobile Debut: No Netflix, But Coming to iOS and Android
Following a period of silence since the June 2024 announcement of Don't Starve Together's arrival on Netflix Games, we have both positive and negative updates. The disappointing news is that the game will not be released on Netflix. However, the good news is that Don't Starve Together is still launching on mobile devices.
Playdigious and Klei Entertainment are collaborating to bring the Tim Burton-esque survival game to iOS and Android. Players will once again find themselves stranded, facing hostile wildlife and needing to gather resources to survive—the core gameplay loop of "don't starve."
Initially planned as a Netflix Games exclusive, Don't Starve Together will now have a global release on the iOS App Store and Google Play. While a precise release date remains unannounced, both developers assure us one is forthcoming.
Netflix Deal Falls Through
It appears Don't Starve Together's exclusivity agreement with Netflix has ended. While the global mobile launch is welcome news, it raises questions about Netflix Games' future commitment to indie titles. The cancellation of this, and other indie exclusives like Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon, is concerning.
Don't Starve is a significant franchise, a highly influential indie survival game. Its removal from the Netflix platform casts doubt on the future of other indie games on the service. This is particularly disappointing, as Netflix's indie game selection has been a major draw for many subscribers.
For further insight into this trend, consider my analysis of the launch of Squid Game: Unleashed and its potential implications for Netflix's indie game offerings. The increased focus on Netflix's own IP might negatively impact the platform's diverse indie game catalogue.
