Netflix Sells Cozy Grove Studio Back to Original Owners

Spry Fox, the studio behind the beloved game Cozy Grove, is once again independent after being sold back to its original owners by Netflix.

Background

Spry Fox was acquired by Netflix in 2022 as part of the streaming giant’s push into the gaming industry. During their time under Netflix, the studio developed Spirit Crossing, a mobile co‑op life simulation game.

Future of Spirit Crossing

Despite the change in ownership, Netflix will continue to publish Spirit Crossing on mobile platforms. However, the newly independent Spry Fox is eager to bring the game to other platforms as well.

David Edery, co‑founder of Spry Fox, shared a statement about the game’s mission to connect people and inspire kindness, emphasizing the desire to reach as many players as possible across different platforms.

Netflix’s Gaming Strategy Shift

This move is part of a broader shift in Netflix’s gaming strategy, which has seen some closures and layoffs. For instance, Netflix recently shut down Team Blue before the developer could release any games. Additionally, there were layoffs at Night School Studio, the developer behind Oxenfree.

However, Netflix has also shown interest in new technologies, such as generative AI for games, by offering high salaries for experts in the field.

What This Means for Fans

While it’s unclear what this means for Spry Fox in the long term, the possibility of Spirit Crossing coming to PC has excited fans of life‑simulation games. The prospect of a multiplayer life sim that isn’t limited to mobile platforms is particularly appealing to many gamers.

Conclusion

The sale of Spry Fox back to its original owners marks a significant change for the studio and offers new opportunities for its games to reach a wider audience.