Netflix is expanding its gaming strategy by acquiring Ready Player Me, a company that specializes in cross-game avatar technology. This acquisition aims to enable players to create and maintain their avatars across various games, enhancing user identity and engagement within the gaming environment. Ready Player Me’s CEO, Timmu Tõke, highlighted that this development will allow users to carry their identities and fandom into different gaming experiences.
Currently, Netflix has not provided a timeline for when these avatars will be available or which games will initially incorporate them, according to reports from TechCrunch. Details regarding the financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
The acquisition includes Ready Player Me’s team of approximately 20 individuals, who will now work for Netflix. However, the existing services provided by Ready Player Me, which have been utilized by thousands of developers for creating cross-platform avatars, will be discontinued effective January 31, 2026.
Tõke expressed optimism about the future, stating that the team has long envisioned a system where avatars can move across different games and virtual environments. He conveyed enthusiasm for the opportunity to integrate their technology and expertise within Netflix’s gaming framework, signaling a commitment to developing a compelling gaming experience for a broader audience.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/848252/netflix-avatar-company-ready-player-me-acquisition