BonusXP, the company responsible for developing the Stranger Things video games for Netflix, has announced that it is, unfortunately, shutting down.
The company confirmed the ceasing of its operations via its official Twitter page and that it will be focusing its efforts for now on finding new employment for its team. The reasons for the shut down are unclear.
Current employees can reach out to the studio support team to get employment assistance.
https://twitter.com/BonusXP/status/1664140408148877312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1664140408148877312%7Ctwgr%5E533a00c06fcae8860797fa45c000d6a80969ac59%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Farticles%2Fstudio-behind-stranger-things-game-and-more-shutting-down%2F1100-6514774%2F
Stranger Things Game Developer BonusXP Ceasing Operations
BonusXP started life as a gaming studio in 2012 in the city of Allen, Texas. The company is best known for developing both Stranger Things video games, including 2017’s Stranger Things: 1984 and 2019’s Stranger Things 3: The Game.
Both games are available on mobile devices and were launched in collaboration with Netflix to help promote their transition into the gaming scene. However, Stranger Things is not their only collaboration title between BonusXP and Netflix. The studio is also responsible for developing the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics, launched in 2019 for PC and consoles and based on the 2019 Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
Other notable games developed by the company include Monster Crew, Servo, and The Incorruptibles. The shutdown of BonusXP is sudden but not too surprising, as this sort of thing occurs in the industry. The Kirby support studio Vanpool also recently shut down its operations.
Despite the closure of BonusXP, Netflix has assured that several more Stranger Things content is on the way, including a new VR game tentatively set for Winter 2023. Other projects include an animated series by Flying Bark Studios and an anime spin-off series. More information on these projects and more is likely to be shared by the Duffer Brothers and Netflix in the near future.
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