Netflix Culls Mobile Game Library, Signals Shift Toward Big-Screen Experiences

Netflix is removing over 20 mobile games, including Monument Valley and Hades, in a strategic move that hints at a bigger pivot toward TV and cloud gaming.

Netflix is set to remove 22 mobile games from its gaming library in July 2025, representing nearly 20% of its current lineup. The removals, which include major titles like Hades and the entire Monument Valley trilogy, mark a notable shift in the streaming giant’s approach to interactive content. The company confirmed July 14 as the last playable day for many of the games.

Among the games being pulled are Death’s Door, Katana ZERO, The Case of the Golden Idol, and kid-friendly options like CoComelon: Play with JJ and SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.. Many of these titles rely on external IPs, indicating that licensing expirations are a key factor in their departure. The full list includes fan favorites as well as lesser-known experimental entries.

Ustwo Games’ Monument Valley 3 was released exclusively on Netflix in December 2024 but is already set to debut on console and PC platforms this July. Ustwo cited low visibility in traditional app stores as a reason for partnering with Netflix, but the trilogy’s short-lived exclusivity raises questions about the long-term viability of streaming-only game launches.

Similarly, Hades, the award-winning roguelike from Supergiant Games, launched on iOS via Netflix in March 2024. Its departure less than 18 months later highlights the precarious lifecycle of games tied to subscription platforms. Despite critical acclaim, neither title will remain accessible to Netflix subscribers beyond July.

This move is part of a broader trend. Netflix has already scaled back its lineup of interactive TV specials, cutting its offerings from 24 to just 4. Notable removals include Bandersnatch and Kimmy vs The Reverend. A pattern is emerging: Netflix appears to be narrowing its scope to focus on fewer, more impactful experiences.

Under the leadership of gaming VP Alain Tascan, Netflix has stated it wants to “entertain the world” by making games accessible on “every screen.” In 2025, the company is testing cloud-based TV games and leaning into social play formats suited for living rooms. This pivot suggests a strategic retreat from volume and toward curated quality.

As Netflix prepares for its next chapter in gaming, the message is clear: mobile may have been the entry point, but the future lies in immersive, shared big-screen play. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but the current purge is already reshaping what Netflix Games stands for.