Netflix has taken a significant stride in bolstering its gaming ambitions with the acquisition of Ready Player Me, an Estonian startup specializing in cross-game avatar creation technology. Announced on December 19, 2025, the deal - terms undisclosed - will see Netflix integrate the platform's tools to enable subscribers to create personalized avatars that persist across multiple games.
This move comes as Netflix shifts focus toward TV-playable party games and multiplayer experiences, signaling a deeper commitment to interactive entertainment beyond traditional streaming.
Ready Player Me, founded in 2014, has powered avatars for thousands of developers, allowing seamless digital identities in virtual worlds. The startup raised $72 million from investors including a16z, Endeavor, and angels from Roblox and Twitch.
Post-acquisition, its public services, including the PlayerZero avatar tool, will shut down on **January 31, 2026**, with about 20 employees (including CTO and co-founder Rainer Selvet) joining Netflix.
Why Avatars Matter for Netflix Games
Netflix's gaming division, launched in 2021, now boasts over 100 titles, with a pivot toward approachable, social experiences playable on smart TVs.
Persistent avatars enhance immersion: Players can "carry their personalities and fandom" across games, from party titles to IP-based adaptations. CEO Timmu Tõke (not joining Netflix) stated the vision aligns perfectly with scaling cross-platform identities globally.
The push likely draws from Alain Tascan, Netflix Games President since July 2024 and former Epic Games EVP overseeing *Fortnite*'s ecosystem - known for robust avatar customization and social features.
Metaverse Dreams or Gaming Evolution?
While Netflix frames this as gaming-focused, it evokes metaverse speculation. Persistent digital selves could extend to virtual watch parties, interactive narratives, or social spaces tied to shows like *Stranger Things*. Netflix has downplayed full metaverse plans, but investments in cloud gaming and IP-driven experiences suggest long-term interconnected worlds—where avatars shop virtual merch for real money.
For now, no timeline exists for avatar rollout or initial games. This acquisition follows Netflix's $1 billion+ gaming spend, aiming to boost engagement amid subscriber churn.
In a crowded field against Roblox and Fortnite, Netflix bets on seamless, subscriber-only personalization. If successful, avatars could transform passive viewing into active participation - hinting at a Netflix-branded digital realm. The metaverse may not arrive tomorrow, but with Ready Player Me's tech, it's one step closer.
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Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
