Netflix couldn’t have chosen a better individual to serve as the creative director of its “brand-new AAA multiplatform game and original IP.”
Joseph Staten confirmed that he’s now signed with Netflix following his departure from 343 Industries earlier this month.
While Netflix has reiterated many times that it’s not just testing the waters with its gaming investment, the streaming giant hadn’t put its money where its mouth is until now.
So today, I'm thrilled to announce that I've joined @Netflix Games as Creative Director for a brand-new AAA multiplatform game and original IP. Let's go! 2/2
— Joseph Staten (@joestaten) April 17, 2023
Securing the services of Staten is a big deal, given his extensive experience. Staten was one of the most prominent figures in the creation of the Halo and Destiny franchise, as he helped create “multi-season, serial stories and expanded fiction” as the co-creative lead of Destiny while also being “responsible for developing the story foundations of the Halo universe,” as the creative lead of the series.
Fans are now curious if Staten will be the last of the high-profile signings Netflix will make or if others are joining him soon.
Having said that, don’t expect Staten’s upcoming project to be anything like what Netflix has previously done. We’ll be sure to keep an eye out to see who else will join Staten in developing the brand-new IP for Netflix.
Netflix’s push into gaming has earned mixed reactions, and rightfully so. Outside of mobile games, it’s believed that Netflix is focusing on live-service titles. The mixed perception of both mobile games and live-service games among the majority of gaming audiences doesn’t help at all. But, with Staten on board, maybe Netflix can curry some goodwill among its fanbase and reassure them that it knows what it’s doing.
For now, fans can hope that Staten’s next project will be just as iconic as Halo and/or Destiny.
