Sponsored By

The studio behind some of Netflix's first forays into video games is closing its doors.

Justin Carter, Contributing Editor

June 1, 2023

1 Min Read
Screenshot of BonusXP's Stranger Things 3: The Game.

Game developer BonusXP announced it'll be closing down. On Twitter, the Texas-based developer said it has "begun the difficult process of ceasing operations. We have enjoyed making games for you over the last 11 years." A specific reason for its closure was not given. 

BonusXP first opened in 2012, and one of the studio's earliest titles was the 2015 PC game Servo. Beginning in 2017, Netflix contracted the studio to create games based on its popular horror series, Stranger Things. The first game, Stranger Things: 1984, was a free mobile title and one of the streamer's first steps into the games space. 

In 2019, BonusXP released Stranger Things 3: The Game, a tie-in for the show's then-upcoming third season. Both games were later put out as launch titles for Netflix's game service for its mobile app in 2021. The developer also made a tie-in game for the one-season series Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, which came out in 2020.

The developer's statement concludes by stating it's currently focused on "helping our team find their next opportunities."

BonusXP's closure comes a day after Vanpool, co-developer on Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, announced its own end. And it marks the first round of game industry layoffs for the month of June. 

About the Author(s)

Justin Carter

Contributing Editor, GameDeveloper.com

A Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo. Don't ask him about how much gum he's had, because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit.

Daily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inbox

You May Also Like