The Netflix Interactive Special page contains 24 shows and films, most of which will not be available to stream from December 1st, 2024.
Netflix has been at the forefront of exploring new technologies to improve user interaction and unlock new avenues of entertainment. One of them was the interactive titles that began with the Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale in 2017. Over time, Netflix added over 24 interactive shows and films as the engagement rose. However, in a disappointing turn of events, Netlfix is now removing almost all of them, with just four titles remaining from 1st December 2024 onwards.
The interactive titles that continue to be available on Netflix are Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls, and You vs. Wild.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch marked the peak of interactive titles as it wowed the world with its horrifying unfolding of scenes based on the choices users made. The movie was nearly impossible to finish if the choices made by the users were not right, making it a never ending loop. The other 23 titles were never much of a hit besides Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
Puss in Books has been gone from the platform for some time now without anyone noticing. This lack of attention from global audiences is a strong indication that user interest in interactive titles has remained low.
“The technology served its purpose but is now limited as we focus on technological efforts in other areas,” said Netflix’s spokesperson Chrissy Kelleher. Netflix’s VP, Mike Verdu, also revealed that the company is not making interactive titles anymore.
Netflix also tried creating special interactives of franchises like Carmen Sandiego and Boss Baby with daily trivia series that users could play with their friends. Even these were not much of a hit on the global scene.
The delisting of interactive title shows was followed by shutting down its AAA gaming studio before it released even one game. Despite expanding to the US last year, Netflix's game streaming beta is still in testing, and there is no clarity on a stable version release. As the streaming giant struggles to succeed in tech innovations, it is becoming a huge roadblock for the company to remain the top garner of entertainment audiences.
