Netflix Games to Launch First MMO "Spirit Crossing" Later This Year

Netflix Games has revealed plans to release its first-ever massively multiplayer online (MMO) game, "Spirit Crossing," later this year. The streaming giant made the announcement during the Game Developers Conference (GDC), and gamers are already buzzing about this new direction for Netflix.

The game comes from award-winning studio Spry Fox, which has built a reputation for creating charming, relaxing games that players love to get lost in. Netflix describes Spirit Crossing as a "massively cooperative life sim" that aims to help people make friends and feel less lonely while playing.

Players will have the opportunity to explore constantly changing environments while spreading kindness to characters they encounter throughout their journey. For those who prefer a more settled experience, the game allows players to build and decorate their own homes and villages where they can stay with friends.

Spry Fox brings solid credentials to this project. They're the creative minds behind "Cozy Grove" and "Alphabear," with the latter snagging the 2016 Google Play Award for Best Standout Indie game. Netflix brought the studio under its wing in 2022 as part of its push into mobile gaming. Since then, Spry Fox released "Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit" in 2024 exclusively on Netflix Games.

If Spirit Crossing catches on with subscribers, it could give Netflix Games a much-needed boost, especially following some recent cancellations of planned mobile game releases.

The MMO format lets thousands of players interact in shared virtual worlds, creating rich opportunities for both cooperative gameplay and social connections – perfectly aligned with Netflix's recent shift in strategy to promote a family-friendly "party" experience.

A closed alpha playtest is currently open for sign-ups, giving some players an early chance to try it out!