Netflix is building an internal games studio in Helsinki, Finland to create its own original games. The new studio will be led by former Zynga and EA Helsinki general manager Marko Lastikka. The company is looking for local talent to help it create great games. Netflix already owns one studio in Helsinki: it acquired Next Games for $72 million earlier this year. The new studio will develop games geared toward individual users.
The new studio will be led by Marko Lastikka, who previously worked at Zynga since January 2017. He helped develop Farmville 3 for Facebook and was an executive producer at Electronic Arts. Prior to this, he spent eight years at Digital Chocolate. Lastikka will oversee the development of a wide range of original games that will not require in-app purchases.
Netflix is investing in game development as part of a broader strategy to expand its mobile offering. Aside from purchasing Night School Studio, Netflix has also acquired Boss Fight Entertainment, which specializes in game development. Netflix hopes to build a world-class games studio in the city to provide a range of entertainment to its subscribers.
The Finnish city is home to Next Games, which was founded in 2013. The company was the first publicly listed mobile game developer in Finland. This move will help Netflix expand its gaming business internationally, and the location is strategic and talent-rich.
