Netflix announces Stranger Things and Dark Crystal video games
James R | On 14, Jun 2019
Netflix is getting into the video game business, with new Stranger Things and Dark Crystal games on the way.
The streaming giant has already dipped its toes into gaming waters with its interactive content, from Black Mirror: Bandersnatch to Minecraft: Story Mode. Now, it’s looking to more traditional ways to expand its existing franchises, and Stranger Things’ blend of retro-horror and sci-fi makes it a perfect fit.
“We have a new Stranger Things [game] on mobile platforms,” confirmed Chris Lee, Netflix’s Director of Interactive Games, at an E3 2019 panel this week. Attending the gaming event, Netflix revealed that the mobile game will be “location-based”, which puts it in the same territory as Pokemon Go, but with people fighting the Upside Down rather than catching creatures. It’s made in collaboration with Next Games. The Upside Down is “closer to home than you think”, Netflix has teased, with the RPG/puzzler coming in 2020.
Netflix also has Stranger Things 3: The Game coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and other consoles on 4th July, which will coincide with the release of Season 3. That was already announced earlier in the year – see the trailer below – but the streaming giant dropped a few new details. The game has 12 playable characters with unique mechanics and moves.
The game “closely follows the events of the show”, although Netflix was careful not to spoil any plot details. Instead, it shared a spoiler-free peak at the title in action:
El’s psychic powers are front and center, with a special upgrade that amplifies her strength. Prepare for nosebleeds. pic.twitter.com/215j9sxE90
— NX (@NXOnNetflix) June 12, 2019
Finally, Netflix has also revealed that The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is about to get its own strategy game. The turn-based title, called Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics, will tie in with Netflix’s new prequel series to the classic Jim Henson film. It’s released this autumn on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac and is developed by BonusXP. You can see some images of the game below, plus a trailer:
The Age of Resistance dawns in a new tactical strategy game in the world of The Dark Crystal. Stop evil in its tracks and save the Gelflings in 80+ campaign battles. Coming this year. pic.twitter.com/lJHaUzwcMb
— NX (@NXOnNetflix) June 11, 2019