In an unexpected turn of events, DON’T NOD, the developer and publisher known for its narrative-driven games, has experienced a challenging year. Their recent financial report for the first half of 2025 highlights some setbacks, particularly with the performance of their latest release, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, which did not meet market expectations. Despite this, a new partnership with Netflix may offer a positive outlook for the studio’s future projects.
Financial Ups and Downs
The recent release, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, fell short of the high standards set by DON’T NOD. This comes as a blow hot on the heels of last year’s underperformers, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden and Jusant. These commercial disappointments contributed to a 5% dip in the studio’s operating revenue, which now stands at €13.9 million for the first half of 2025.
New Horizons with Netflix
Despite the financial hurdles, DON’T NOD is looking forward to brighter days with the release of The Lonesome Guild on October 23, 2025, across multiple platforms. Most notably, the studio has inked a deal with Netflix to develop a narrative game based on a “major IP.” This collaboration could be transformative for DON’T NOD, offering a chance to leverage Netflix’s vast resources and audience reach. The project will be developed at their Montreal studio, with Netflix taking on the role of publisher.
Speculation and Future Prospects
This new venture comes at a time when Netflix’s strategy in the gaming industry appears to be in flux, especially after the recent closure of its Squid Game: Unleashed studio. While this could indicate a strategic shift, the partnership with DON’T NOD signals potential opportunities for growth and innovation in storytelling within games. Only time will tell if this collaboration will successfully navigate the challenges of the gaming industry and deliver a hit for both parties involved.