Don't Starve Together, initially announced for Netflix Games in June 2024, will not be coming to the streaming service after all. However, the good news is that the popular survival game is still on track for a mobile release on iOS and Android devices.
Playdigious and Klei Entertainment, the developers behind the game, are continuing their collaboration to bring the darkly humorous, Tim Burton-esque survival experience to mobile platforms. In Don't Starve Together, players are stranded on a hostile island, tasked with gathering resources and surviving as a variety of quirky characters. The core objective remains the same: don't starve.
Originally planned as a Netflix Games exclusive, Don't Starve Together will now see a global launch on the iOS App Store and Google Play. While a firm release date remains unannounced, Klei Entertainment and Playdigious assure players that an official launch date is forthcoming.
The Netflix Departure
The shift away from Netflix Games suggests a breakdown in the exclusivity agreement. While the global mobile release is positive, it raises concerns about Netflix Games' commitment to the indie development scene. The cancellation of Don't Starve Together's Netflix release, coupled with the demise of other indie exclusives like Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon, casts a shadow over the future of indie titles on the platform.
Don't Starve, a highly acclaimed and iconic survival game, represents a significant loss for Netflix Games. This raises questions about the viability of other indie titles on the service. Netflix's indie game catalog has been a major draw for many subscribers, and its potential decline is a significant concern.
For a deeper dive into my perspective on Netflix Games' shifting priorities and the potential impact on indie developers, I recommend reading my analysis of the Squid Game: Unleashed launch. This piece explores the potential negative consequences of Netflix's increased focus on its own IP.
