Spry Fox splits from Netflix and returns to indie status while Spirit Crossing stays tied to Netflix on mobile

Spry Fox — the indie studio behind Cozy Grove and Alphabear — is being sold back to its original founders and will leave Netflix’s first‑party games group. Netflix will remain involved as the mobile publisher for the studio’s upcoming title Spirit Crossing, while Spry Fox regains the rights to operate independently and pitch the game to other publishers for console and PC releases.

The transition marks a relatively positive outcome compared with full studio closures: the founders, David Edery and Daniel Cook, now control Spry Fox again and can seek additional partners and funding. However, the move doesn’t eliminate risks — Spry Fox may still face layoffs and will need fresh financing to sustain long‑term development outside Netflix’s in‑house umbrella.

Why this happened

• Netflix shifted its games strategy under new leadership, focusing on titles tied to Netflix IP, social party formats and low‑risk mobile titles rather than larger, original indie projects.
• Spirit Crossing — pitched as a cooperative village life sim blending Animal Crossing‑style cozy gameplay with MMO‑like social systems — didn’t fit Netflix’s new priorities.
• Returning Spry Fox to its founders lets Netflix avoid maintaining a studio that doesn’t align with its revised roadmap while still publishing the game on mobile.

What this means for Spirit Crossing

Spirit Crossing will continue development with the opportunity to reach consoles and PC if Spry Fox secures additional publishing partners. The game’s scope or monetization may be adjusted so it can be commercially viable outside Netflix’s subscription model.

Industry context

Netflix’s earlier strategy included studio acquisitions and funding of varied mobile projects; its pivot under Alain Tascan reprioritized the gaming slate. This reversal echoes wider industry trends where platform holders refine portfolios and indie teams either adapt, find new partners, or return to independence.

Spry Fox’s return to independent status is encouraging for creative control, but the coming months will be important: the studio must raise funds, manage team stability and secure broader publishing deals to bring Spirit Crossing to a wider audience.

Discussion: Are you excited to see Spirit Crossing as an independent game — would you prefer it on console/PC or keep it mobile? What would you like the founders to prioritize next (funding, community, early access)?