The best Stranger Things game is yet to come, says Netflix
Netflix knows it still hasn't put out an essential Stranger Things game
Netflix says it still hasn't done its best Stranger Things game yet.
In its most recent issue, Edge Magazine spoke to Netflix vice president and head of external games, Leanne Loombe, about their Stranger Things-oriented output. So far at least, Netflix has put out two games from the show: Stranger Things 1984 in 2017, and Stranger Things 3: The Game two years later in 2019.
"As we build up the muscles to launch more games, and we learn more things, then we are naturally going to move into higher scope, more complex, AAA-type experiences, across both internal and external [studios]," the Netflix executive told Edge.
"We have IPs that we thing could work well in games, but then it's about really figuring out 'ok, what kind of game is that - how would that feel and play?'" Loombe continued. "You know, the Stranger Things games that we've got, for example, they're great games, but I don't think we've done the Stranger Things game yet - the one that is authentically connected to that universe and those characters that the fans love."
Netflix's two Stranger Things games to date are both retro-inspired mobile games, and it's clear the company is aiming for something bigger in scale. A third Stranger Things game - Stranger Things VR - is set to launch later this year in 2023, putting the player in the shoes of villain Vecna for something decidedly different than their two offerings so far.
Aside from that though, Netflix looks to be stepping up its efforts to push into the video game space, with their biggest project yet set to be a AAA live-service shooter. It's not unreasonable to take Loombe's comments as an indication that a Stranger Things game in similar scale and scope could well be in development.
Check out our new games 2023 guide for a look ahead at what to expect from all the blockbuster releases this year.
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Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.