Netflix Acquires Avatar-creation Platform Ready Player Me to Enhance Gaming Strategy

Netflix has announced the acquisition of Ready Player Me, an avatar-creation platform from Estonia, as part of its new gaming strategy. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Ready Player Me had previously raised $72 million in venture backing from investors such as a16z, Endeavor, Konvoy Ventures, Plural, and various angels, including the co-founders of companies like Roblox, Twitch, and King Games. Following the acquisition, the startup's team of around 20 people will be joining Netflix, with only CTO Rainer Selvet making the move. Ready Player Me will be winding down its services on January 31, 2026, including its online avatar creation tool, PlayerZero.

The CEO of Ready Player Me, Timmu Tõke, expressed excitement about joining Netflix, stating that the team aims to contribute to the exciting vision Netflix has for gaming. This acquisition underscores Netflix's evolving approach to gaming, following its initial foray into offering mobile games. The company's gaming strategy saw mixed results, leading to changes in its leadership and gaming lineup. Netflix has recently expanded its gaming lineup for TV, focusing on party games, kids' games, narrative games, and more mainstream titles.

The company also introduced a slate of party games for TVs and mobile, including Netflix Puzzled, PAW Patrol Academy, WWE 2K25, Red Dead Redemption, and Best Guess, among others. Additionally, Netflix is exploring interactive real-time voting for live content, with plans to incorporate this feature into its shows. The acquisition of Ready Player Me and the overall shift in Netflix's gaming approach reflect the company's efforts to adapt and innovate in the gaming space. With the changing dynamics in the gaming industry, Netflix continues to explore new avenues to engage its audience and diversify its offerings.