Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 359

Warner Bros. Discovery Closing Down Rooster Teeth After Over 20 Years

For nearly a century, Warner Bros. was where some of Hollywood’s best, most enduring works of art came to life. Now Warner Bros. Discovery is getting a very different kind of reputation in the industry: it’s where art goes to die. Fresh off the cancellation of yet another finished movie as a tax writeoff, Coyote vs. Acme, the company has announced it’s closing down Rooster Teeth. But while the animation and comedy production company is closing after 21 years, it might not go away entirely. There’s a chance at least some parts of it will continue on if it can find new owners.

Rooster Teeth

Rooster Teeth general manager Jordan Levin shared the news (which we first saw at The Hollywood Reporter), Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to shutter the company. In a statement to employees he said that although “Warner Bros. Discovery continued its investment in our company, content and community” it closing shop on Rooster Teeth. Levin cited the “challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage.”

Long-time Rooster Teeth fans might not be as gracious in their response to this news as Levin was. They do have reason to feel some hope, though. While Rooster Teeth might be ending its run as a company, it might live on in some formats. The Roost Podcast Network and its 80+ shows will continue on as Warner Bros. Discovery tries to find a buyer for it. It’s also “in discussion” about what to do with popular Rooster Teeth properties like Red vs Blue, RWBY, and Gen:LOCK.

Whether or not it finds new investors won’t change Rooster Teeth’s legacy. As Levin said, it began in 2003 in a “garage in Buda, Texas” and went on to reach “global screens large and small.” But Rooster Teeth’s closing will definitely mark another chapter in the unfortunate new legacy Warner Bros. is creating for itself.

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Fast Food Surge Pricing Attempts Won’t End with Wendy’s

Wendy’s recently met a massive public outcry from consumers after indicating it would experiment with dynamic pricing. Ultimately, Wendy’s denied the idea that it would ever participate in surge pricing, i.e. that it would use dynamic pricing to increase prices during times of high demand. But Wendy’s use of the phrase “dynamic pricing” at all certainly implied a planned foray into Uber-like pricing systems where prices can suddenly leap. A recent report from restaurant technology provider Qu indicates this is only the beginning. Wendy’s may have been the first to put fast food surge pricing onto the public’s radar. But it seems like many other brands and restaurants are also eyeing a shift to dynamic prices.

Sony

Who would have thought that good old ink on paper was preventing us from experiencing this much stress? It seems obvious now. But we guess we never thought much about how a difficult-to-change menu… Well, it prevents things from shifting on a whim. But that appears to be a thing of the past. In its 5th “Annual State of Digital Report,” Qu highlighted some 2024 trends in Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and Fast Casual brands that relate to the advent of surge pricing in the fast food industry. It is important to note that the report gathered data from 179 brands across 62,000 locations. It can be found in full here.

The two main takeaways the report shares concerning surge pricing in the fast-food restaurant world are as follows:

Dynamic pricing is one of the top three things that brands plan to use AI for in 2024. (Dynamic pricing falls only slightly behind AI-driven analytics and AI-driven voice ordering.)Digital menu boards are the #2 technology investment fast food restaurants have planned for 2024. Paramount Pictures

Taken together, these trends point firmly toward planned surge pricing in the fast food world. AI investment is an overall top trend for restaurants in 2024. And 39% of those surveyed point to dynamic pricing as an AI priority for 2024. That makes dynamic pricing a priority in an already prioritized space. Of course, we could kindly imagine, as Wendy’s suggests, that dynamic pricing will suddenly take on a new meaning in the marketplace and be used to create discounts. But, it seems much more likely that fast food brands will investigate how prices can dynamically surge up versus shift down. The intense investment in digital menu boards, of course, underscores this point. Dynamic pricing surges will require fast food restaurants to have easily changeable platforms.

So, given that fast-food restaurants are clearly investing in the idea of dynamic and surge pricing, where does that leave consumers? Well, like with all modern shenanigans caused by digitizing everything, nowhere good. If prices consistently change, it could become difficult to even know when a cost is higher than it should be. And if all fast food places use surge prices, there may be nowhere left to turn. Of course, there’s always the grocery store (for now, anyway). Hopefully we’ll see some oversight around this nascent area for food and tech. In the meantime, we’ll have to hope one public outcry at a time will keep astronomical prices at bay for our burgers and fries.

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Coffee Mate’s Dirty Soda Creamer Is Designed for Dr. Pepper

When you hear “Coffee mate” your first reaction is to probably think about coffee, right? It would be weird if that wasn’t your initial (and maybe only) association. The word “coffee” is literally in the brand’s name, and the company makes flavored-creamers designed to go into your coffee. It’s a coffee compliment! Well you might as well forget about all of that at the moment, because for a limited-time Coffee mate is going to be a Soda mate. Coffee mate’s special new Dirty Soda Coconut Lime Flavored Creamer is specifically made to mix with Dr Pepper.

Coffee mate/Dr PepperWhat Is Coffee Mate Dirty Soda Creamer?

If, for some bizarre reason, you don’t think Dr Pepper already packs enough flavor into every sip, you will soon be able to add even more. Coffee mate has teamed with gamers’ soda of choice on a way to spruce up the legendary cola. Coffee mate Dirty Soda Coconut Lime Flavored Creamer (which we first heard about at People) is designed to enhance “the unique blend of 23 flavors in Dr Pepper for the ultimate dirty soda experience.” As the title suggests, we assume this creamer tastes of coconut and lime.

Where Did Dirty Soda Even Come From?

If you want to thank/blame anyone for this product, head to Utah. That’s the original home of the “dirty soda,” a drink that has expanded its presence around the U.S. the last few years. The dirty soda even led to that unsettling Pepsi Christmas commercial with Lindsay Lohan.

Coffee mate 🤝 Dr Pepper – you know we had to do it! ✨NEW Coffee mate Dirty Soda Coconut Lime Flavored Creamer✨ This limited-edition creamer is made to be mixed with @drpepper for the ultimate dirty soda experience!

At grocery stores nationwide, beginning in March 2024. pic.twitter.com/0EmR9h4zS8

— Coffee mate (@Coffeemate) March 4, 2024

Where Can You Buy Coffee Mate Dirty Soda Creamer?

But where can you even buy this dirty soda creamer concoction? Well, Coffee mate’s Dirty Soda Creamer will arrive on grocery store shelves nationwide this month. No exact date is noted, but Coffee mate shares, “Available at grocery stores nationwide for a limited time, beginning in March 2024.” So, this product might already have hit your nearest store. We’d probably gamble on finding this dirty soda creamer in Wal-Mart, if we had to make a bet.

As a Coffee mate buyer who loves trying the company’s new flavors, I recommend grabbing a bottle fast if you hope to get one. The company’s best limited-releases have a tendency to sell out very quick. And this Dr. Pepper Dirty Soda Creamer will only be available while supplies last.

After that we can all go back to thinking about “coffee” when we hear “Coffee mate.” Though we doubt any of us will ever forget the company’s brief foray into being a (dirty) soda mate.

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ROGUE ONE’s Gareth Edwards May Direct New JURASSIC WORLD Movie

If Jurassic Park has taught us anything over 30 years, it’s that you can’t keep prehistoric monsters down. No, seriously, don’t even try it never works. That’s also true in a very different way of big-time, money-making movie franchises. So it’s only fitting a new report says Universal has plans for another Jurassic World movie. But while the sixth film in the series brought back the original movie’s stars, the seventh is bringing back its original screenwriter. David Koepp, who penned both the scripts for the 1993 classic that brought dinosaurs to life and its 1997 followup Jurassic Park: The Lost World, is already working on the next new installment in the Jurassic World universe. In addition, the new Jurassic World movie has set its release date. Reports also indicate that it will be a universe reboot.

Universal Pictures

Most recently, this new Jurassic World movie confirmed its release date will be July 2, 2025.

pic.twitter.com/GJhiqIgCJc

— Jurassic World (@JurassicWorld) February 6, 2024

Additionally, reports say that the film will be a reboot of the franchise. Before this latest batch of information, The Hollywood Reporter shared that Universal Pictures is “deep” in development on another dinosaur film. Koepp, the person responsible for writing Jurassic Park‘s two best scripts, is writing the new movie. The apparently top-secret project is reportedly far enough along in the process that Universal likes the current script’s “shape.” Recently, we learned David Leitch, who was set to direct, will not be moving ahead with the film. Instead, Rogue One‘s Gareth Edwards is now in serious talks to direct the new Jurassic World movie. We have to say, it feels like Edwards would do an excellent job. We’ll have to wait and see if he’s confirmed as the film’s director. The movie is also set to begin filming this year.

As for the plot, no specifics are known yet about this new Jurassic World movie. Only that the film will explore a “new” Jurassic era and a new story. This installment will almost certainly launch a whole new trilogy. We’d also bet the film will start with a new title. (Our official prediction is Jurassic Planet.)

Universal Pictures

Koepp isn’t the only veteran returning. Jurassic World trilogy producer Frank Marshall is also back for more prehistoric fun. As is series alum Patrick Crowley. And Steven Spielberg, who directed Koepp’s two previous scripts, will also serve as an executive producer on this new Jurassic World movie via his Amblin Entertainment.

And, no matter the story, if the movie is a big enough success, we expect some old stars to come back for later installments, too. Just like dinosaurs and this franchise, they always do.

Originally published on January 22, 2024.

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SUPERMAN Has Begun Filming, James Gunn Teases Fortress of Solitude Scenes

Soon, the world will meet a new Clark Kent in Superman. (Formerly titled, Superman: Legacy). DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran are rebooting the most famous superhero in the world as they transition the franchise from the DCEU to the DCU. Who will play the Man of Steel on the big screen this time around? What kind of story will we see him in? And who will bring it to life? We’re keeping track of all these answers and more.

And now, the time has finally come. James Gunn has revealed that the start of principal photography on Superman has begun. He also teased our very first look at Superman’s suit in the DCU movie. Something we’re very excited about. Interestingly, the name of the DCU movie has changed to just Superman from Superman: Legacy.

Additionally, in the shot shared above, we see some snow, and that’s because Superman has begun its filming in Norway. Speaking to Norwegian Svalbardposten (via Deadline and VG), Gunn shared, “We have filmed the first scenes [in Svalbard], which show Superman fleeing to the Fortress of Solitude. We wanted a place that was beautiful and felt like being in the middle of the Arctic, so we looked at several places in the world. But there were many things that sold Svalbard for us over the other places. First, there is the natural beauty. But there’s also the fact that you’ll find a varied landscape here that you won’t find anywhere else. Nature gives a special feeling.”

VG additionally shares that “Gunn tells Svalbardposten that they will film scenes in Ohio in the USA later, and that he then expects a lot of paparazzi.”

DC Comics/Frank Quitely

Here’s everything we know about Superman.

Title

The DCU’s first official movie (though not its first official release) is now titled simply Superman. Of course, the movie began its life as Superman: Legacy. It will kick off the film side of what James Gunn has called the franchise’s first chapter, “Gods and Monsters.” He has also called Superman: Legacy “the true beginning” of the DCU.

Superman‘s Plot

While the film still has no official synopsis, Warner Bros. did provide a description of what we can expect from the story, which James Gunn says is not an origin tale.

Superman tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.

Gunn announced the film with art from the cover of All-Star Superman by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely. Whether or not that means the story is influenced, inspired by, or adapted from the 12-issue comic series in any way is unclear. What Gunn has said is the movie will focus on “an earlier part of Superman’s life,” where he is still old enough to already be working for the Daily Planet.

Superman‘s Cast

Accurate! (They are not only both incredible actors, but also wonderful people). https://t.co/1FtwYIDeYj

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 27, 2023

David Corenswet will play Superman, while Rachel Brosnahan will play Lois Lane.

Netflix/DC Comics/Prime Video

In addition, four more actors have joined the cast of Superman. Isabela Merced will play Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi will play Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion will play Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan will play Metamorpho. María Gabriela de Faría will play the villain The Engineer in the movie. Also known as Angela Spica, the character has nanotechnology built into her body. Additionally, Sara Sampaio will play Eve Teschmacher, Skyler Gisondo will play Jimmy Olsen, and Wendell Pierce will play The Daily Planet boss Perry White.

James Gunn has also confirmed that Nicholas Hoult will play Lex Luthor.

James GunnBehind the Scenes 

James Gunn wrote the (definitely completed) script and is directing.

Superman‘s Release Date

Thanks to the efforts of our talented crew, who never lost faith during the longest strikes in Hollywood history, and who never let their foot off the pedal, continuing to barrel forward, creating the most amazing character and set designs I’ve seen in my entire career,… pic.twitter.com/ntnEbA2fC0

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 11, 2023

Superman will soar into theaters faster than a speeding bullet on July 11, 2025.

Originally published on April 11, 2023.

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FINAL DESTINATION: Bloodline Begins Filming, Sixth Franchise Movie Shares Release Window and Title

Leading a box office global phenomenon results in a whole lot of opportunities. Studios love hiring people who have already shown they can bring home the big bucks with a critical darling. But when you do that for the world’s most popular cinematic universe, with a movie that combines three different big screen series, you can basically do whatever you want next. And Spider-Man: No Way Home director Jon Watts has decided he wants to use his massive success to resurrect the Final Destination franchise. Yes, Final Destination is heading back to screens with a sixth entry titled Final Destination: Bloodlines. And it looks like it will be released in 2025.

Warner Bros.

In 2022, Variety reported that No Way Home‘s director would revive the horror franchise that made Death itself the most dangerous villain. And Watts will indeed produce New Line Cinema’s next installment of the franchise, Final Destination 6, now known as Final Destination Bloodlines. Watts’ partner and wife Dianne McGunigle will also serve as a producer on the film. As will Final Destination alums Craig Perry and Sheila Hanahan Taylor. The script will come from Wicked Wicked Games‘ Lori Evans Taylor and Scream‘s Guy Busick. Variety says they will work from a treatment written by Watts, who says he and his wife are “massive fans” of the franchise.

Most recently, we learned the filming has actually begun on Final Destination: Bloodlines, and the movie even has a release date window. According to Bloody Disgusting, producer Perry shared:

After a long, hard slog through the pandemic and the strikes, Day One is finally in the can. 2025 will mark the 25th anniversary of the release of the first installment in the franchise. To honor the occasion with another worldwide theatrical release (in IMAX, no less) is a rare and wonderful thing. See you next year!

PS: I know, I know — Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. But this is the title we’ve had for three years, and we’re keeping it… for now.”

While 2011’s Final Destination 5 served as perfect end point for the franchise, fans know you can’t keep Death at bay forever. (Or even for an entire film.) What you can do though is send Death to HBO Max. That’s where the new installment will debut.

There’s no information about the film’s plot, but Bloodlines does give us a hint. Regardless of whether this s a reboot or a continuation though, we feel there is no excuse not to bring back Tony Todd. You hear us, New Line Cinema? No excuse! Fill out the blank check right now and mail it to him today.

Wait, what are we worried about? Jon Watts can do anything he wants right now. And if he loves Final Destination enough to resurrect it, he’ll want to bring back Tony Todd too.

Originally published on January 11, 2022.

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HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Live-Action Movie Has Found Its Hiccup, Astrid, and More

Disney isn’t the only studio looking to their animation catalog for live-action inspiration. Universal is adapting DreamWorks Animation’s popular How to Train Your Dragon as a live-action movie (via Deadline). Director Dean DeBlois, who helmed the three How to Train Your Dragon animated films, will write, direct, and produce the live-action version. The adaptation already has a release date, too: March 14, 2025. That’s just about 15 years after the animated film premiered. According to The Hollywood Reporter, How to Train Your Dragon has found its human riders as well, with Mason Thames and Nico Parker starring as Hiccup and Astrid, respectively. Thames’ recent turn in The Black Phone and Parker’s short yet pivotal role as Joel’s daughter Sarah in The Last of Us make them familiar faces to audiences. Additional casting news for the How to Train Your Dragon live-action movie also reveals the return of a familiar face.

HBO/Universal Pictures

That’s right. The How to Train Your Dragon live-action movie will see Gerard Butler make the leap from voice to screen. In the animated versions of the movie, Butler gave life to Viking chief Stoick the Vast, who is also Hiccup’s father. And now he’ll do so literally. Deadline reveals that while “the studio went with new faces for Hiccup and Astrid since the actors that had previously voiced the characters are now adults, the idea of having Butler return as Stoick, the strong-willed Viking chief who is also a single father trying to raise his son, was too good to pass up.” It remains to be seen if How to Train Your Dragon‘s other stars, which include, Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, and Kristen Wiig, will appear in the live-action.

In the meantime, Nick Frost has also joined the cast as the viking, Gobber the Belch. And additionally, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn have come aboard the film. According to Variety, “Dennison, Howell, James and Trevaldwyn have been respectively cast as Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut.” Finally, Ruth Codd as come aboard as Phlegma, a Viking villager whose character was originally voiced by Ashley Jensen.

STX Entertainment/DreamWorks

How to Train Dragon released in the United States on March 26, 2010. The film, which DeBlois co-directed with Chris Sanders, tells the story of a young Viking named Hiccup. Based on the book of the same name by Cressida Cowell, we watch as Hiccup meets Toothless the dragon and decides to help him instead of hunt him. Subsequent films in the trilogy further explore the relationship between the Vikings and the dragons, as well as Hiccup and Toothless’ bond.

DreamWorks Animation

The How to Train Your Dragon adaptation will mark DeBlois’ live-action directing debut. We don’t know yet if Universal has further plans to adapt the entire trilogy. Currently, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie is slated to release on June 13, 2025.

Originally published on May 30, 2023.

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What Is Spice in DUNE and Why Is It Important?

In Frank Herbert’s Dune, there exists a powerful drug cherished by the known universe for its psychotropic properties, its time-alerting abilities, and its extreme rarity. It’s called spice melange, or simply “spice,” and is the driving force of the first novel in the series. But what is spice, exactly? And why is spice so coveted in Dune‘s world?

To celebrate the release of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, we’ve put together an explainer of his all-important substance. Here is everything you need to know about Spice Melange in the world of Dune.

Spice Is the Most Important Commodity in the Dune universe

In the opening sequence of David Lynch’s 1984 Dune adaptation, Princess Irulan (Virginia Madsen) explains the importance of the spice, and why it is the most precious substance in the universe.

“The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness. The spice is vital to space travel.”

The first novel, Dune, begins when Duke Leto Atreides of the ocean planet Caladan is assigned by Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV—the ruler of the known universe—to relocate his family to the desert planet Arrakis and harvest spice melange. Mining and managing spice production is considered a prestigious task in Dune‘s world, but also a difficult one, which puts House Atreides in a tricky position. In addition to overseeing the harvest, they must also contend with the Fremen, or the Arrakis natives, who consider spice melange a holy substance.

Because Dune‘s spice is only found on Arrakis, it is considered one of the rarest commodities in the universe. It is a symbol of wealth and status outside of Arrakis and has highly addictive properties. Spice plays a central role in all of the Dune novels and sets up much of the first novel’s conflict. We won’t get into plot spoilers, but here are some facts about the substance to know going in.

Warner Bros/Legendary

What Does Spice Smell and Look Like?

In the Dune novels, the appearance of spice is only briefly alluded to. In its gas form, it is said to be an orange-ish color, however when it appears in bins in God Emperor of Dune it is said to glow a “radiant blue.”

Warner Bros./Legendary

If there’s one real-world spice most associated with spice melange, it’s cinnamon. The substance is described to have a cinnamon-like smell and taste.

Why Do Dune‘s Characters Have Blue Eyes? The Answer Lies in SpiceWarner Bros./Legendary

When someone is addicted to spice, their eyes also glow blue, which the Fremen call the “Eyes of Ibad.” Spice makes their eyes blue-within-blue. Due to their constant exposure to spice—in the air they breathe and the food they eat—all Fremen have glowing blue eyes.

Universal Studios

How Is Spice Made in Dune?

Spice melange is formed deep beneath the sands of Arrakis, where the fungal excretions of sandworm larva mixes with water to form a mass that eventually explodes to the surface due to the planet’s extreme heat. Collecting the melange is extremely difficult; the explosions are deadly, and the material hazardous. Spice is collected by a vehicle called a Harvester in Dune, which must also avoid the giant sandworms. Aircrafts known as Carryalls lift Harvesters to safety.

The Fremen, however, co-exist with the sandworms in the desert and have learned how to harvest Dune‘s spice manually for their own consumption and use.

What Does Spice Do?

What doesn’t spice do is almost the better question. Here’s a short list of some of the best-known properties of spice melange in Dune.

For those who consume spice, it may allow:

Extended lifePsychotropic abilitiesPrescience, or an ability to see into the past, present, and future

That prescience is also used to navigate space, allowing for safe interstellar travel. This is done through a process where melange is turned into gas that is then consumed by beings known as the Spacing Guild Navigators, who can see paths through time and space that avoid collision with other planets and heighliners.

Spice is used as an entheogen by the Bene Gesserit, a powerful order of women who oversee and influence humanity throughout the universe; the spice gifts them with clairvoyance and other heightened abilities that mimics witchcraft. The Fremen also have these abilities due to their massive exposure. They use spice to make materials like cloth, plastics, and paper. It can also be used to make explosives.

As the novel’s antagonist Baron Harkonnen explains:

“He who controls Spice, controls the universe!”

As you can see, spice melange is a hugely impactful and important substance that is integral to everything in the Dune universe. To see how it factors into the plot, you’ll have to check out Denis Villeneuve’s Dune and Dune: Part Two.

Featured Image: Warner Bros/Legendary

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.

Originally published on May 6, 2020.

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Disney’s Star Tours Will Add ANDOR, AHSOKA, and MANDALORIAN to Its Adventures

Back when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first opened, some theme park fans worried Disney would drop Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. The classic Disney Parks ride—Disney’s first Star Wars attraction—remains a wild and delightful. Happily, it’s a ride Disney continues to update as new Star Wars stories release. And it will be getting an infusion of fresh adventures soon. Star Tours is adding features and locations from the Disney+ series Ahsoka, Andor, and The Mandalorian.

Click To View Gallery Disney Parks Disney Parks Disney Parks

The Disney Parks Blog shared the news on Tuesday morning, saying these additions mean that Star Tours now has more than 250 storyline variations. If you haven’t been on the ride, it randomizes between different segments. You’ll have one kind of opening, travel to different locations, get a transmission from one of a variety of characters, and all of those parts are variable. The update will include Peridea from Ahsoka, so you could get to travel beyond the known galaxy. Please don’t get stranded out there. The below video teases the journey to Peridea.

The ride is getting transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin, and Grogu too. You’ll have to board the Starspeeder multiple times and see if you can catch everyone. It’s not an easy mission, but we believe in you.

Star Tours will start its new adventures at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris on April 5, 2024. This date coincides with the launch of Season of the Force at Disneyland.

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8 Video Games You Can Play on Netflix Games

Most mobile games are fun time wasters but lack the true appeal of a real video game. But now, Netflix is looking to change all of that with its Netflix Games offering. Netflix Games takes the concept of the Netflix we know, hosting content on its streaming platform so it can be watched more widely, and applies it to video games. Additionally, Netflix promises no ads, no extra fees, and no in-app purchases in its mobile games. And we can all agree those are the worst parts of the mobile game genre. Soon, it seems like we’ll even be able to play Netflix Games on our TV screens and PCs. Netflix has shared it wants the games to be “playable on every Netflix device that you have.” And apparently, code from the Netflix app seems to confirm.

Basically, for those who need a more convenient way to play some familiar titles, Netflix has you covered. Let’s take a look at which real video games get the mobile treatment via Netflix Games.

The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy

BIG NEWS: GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas from the Grand Theft Auto Series are coming to Netflix Games for mobile on December 14! pic.twitter.com/qe9DGOHXyO

— Netflix (@netflix) November 29, 2023

Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas from the Grand Theft Auto Series are coming to Netflix Games on December 14. And these are some of the biggest games yet to join the platform. Netflix shares that these games will specifically arrive on mobile interfaces. It’s pretty exciting stuff. According to Netflix, the popular games will be available to play via the App Store, Google Play, and through the Netflix mobile app. You can pre-register for the games today.

Hades

Fan favorite video game Hades (also known as the Hades game) is heading to Netflix Games next year. At least, the rogue-like game will be available on iOS. Unfortunately, Hades will not come to Netflix Games users on Android. Still, this is a pretty exciting piece of news. Its arrival on Netflix Games will open up Hades to a whole new audience of players. You can pre-register now for Netflix’s version of the Hades game which releases on March 19.

A release shares:

In this action role-playing game, you have one mission: get out of Hell alive. You’ll play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, as you attempt to escape the Underworld with the help of various Olympic deities. In Hades, you’ll fight to escape the regions of Tartarus, Asphodel, Elysium, and the Temple of Styx before facing the God of the Underworld himself in a final battle. Can you hack and slash your way out of the depths of Hell, or will you be doomed to the dungeons forever? From Supergiant Games, the hugely successful Hades will be available exclusively on iOS via Netflix starting next year. 

Slayaway Camp 2: Netflix & Kill

Netflix and kill? That sounds like a horror movie in the making. But it’s actually the latest entry into Netflix Game’s catalog.

This puzzle game is actually a sequel to a 2016 game called Slayaway Camp which was released on Steam, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Both games see you play as Skullface, a kind of adorable but deranged slasher. The official description shares, “In this sequel, you’re Skullface, a killer stuck inside a retro horror movie catalog — solve puzzles, stalk victims and get stabby.”

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge recently released as a full-blown video game that paid homage to the retro Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games of the late ’80s and early ’90s. But for those who’d rather play on their phone, Netflix has converted Shredder’s Revenge into a mobile game you can play on the move. All the fun callbacks, retro goodness, and Ninja Turtle-ness stay intact, but no console is required. Cowabunga!

Tomb Raider Reloaded

Although this game isn’t a direct Netflix recreation of an existing video game, it does share some similarities to the games Tomb Raider and Tomb Raider: Anniversary. In it, you play as Lara Croft, who encounters the mysterious Natla and gets tempted by adventure. This entry into Netflix Games promises “a wide variety of puzzles and face off against different enemies and bosses — both new and familiar to the Tomb Raider series — including bloodthirsty wolves, poisonous snakes, fearsome golems and magical elemental creatures!” Sounds like some good adventure on the horizon.

Valiant Hearts: Coming Home

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a puzzle adventure game developed for consoles. This popular World War I set game can now be played on mobile courtesy of Netflix Games. Happy the Valient Hearts: Coming Home mobile game retains the graphic novel style of the original and the characters at the heart of its story. The mobile version promises a story every bit as compelling and beautiful as the first.

Twelve Minutes

Twelve Minutes is originally a Steam game with a seriously loaded cast. James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe lend their voices to this interactive thriller. The game revolves around a man trapped in a terrifying time loop that is fated to go on and on unless he/you uses his foreknowledge to break the cycle. Netflix’s rendition of Twelve Minutes replaces the click-and-drag gameplay of the desktop version with a similar “tap and drag” system, and it retains all of the voice talents to boot. Not to mention, the trailer for this mobile version definitely has us at the edges of our seats.

Dust & Neon

Dust & Neon, a Nintendo Switch game also on Steam, has arrived on Netflix Games. This game takes place in “a futuristic Wild West, where robots have rejected their life of servitude, and taken over the planet, turning it into a not-so-enjoyable place for humans.” And it’s up to you to fight robot oppression… Which you can now do on your phone. Netflix Games promises that this mobile game will have every bit as much futuristic, gunslinging, cyborg vs. robot shooter action as its Switch predecessor.

How to Download and Play Netflix GamesNetflix

Ready to explore these mobile versions of real video games for yourself? If you have Netflix, you’re almost there. To access the games, first, download the Netflix mobile app itself. Then, in the app store, you can look up all these different games. Once you download them, as you would any app, they’ll appear in the “Netflix Games” section in the overall Netflix app. You can also start in the Netflix app itself, go to the games sections, and look up different games from there.

In addition to versions of full games, Netflix has other original mobile games; a few are even based on its different properties, like Stranger Things and Wednesday. As far as mobile gaming goes, Netflix seems like a pretty good bet. So go forth and crush some small-screen challenges.

Originally published on February 22, 2023.

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