Twenty-six former developers from the now-shuttered Netflix-owned studio Boss Fight Entertainment have reunited to establish Sunwise Games, an independent PC game studio. This move follows Netflix’s decision to close Boss Fight in October 2025, despite the global success of its title, Squid Game: Unleashed. Led by CEO Irin Berry, the new venture aims to create systems-driven games focusing on long-term depth and respectful monetization.
Netflix acquired Boss Fight Entertainment, known for its free-to-play mobile title Dungeon Boss, in 2022 as part of its broader push into the gaming sector. The acquisition was intended to bolster Netflix’s in-house development capabilities, a strategy that has seen mixed results across the industry. Despite delivering a chart-topping game for Netflix, the studio ultimately faced closure.
Netflix’s gaming strategy, initiated with an aggressive acquisition phase, aimed to diversify its content offerings. The 2022 acquisition of Boss Fight Entertainment, detailed by Variety at the time, was part of this push. However, the subsequent closure of the studio underscores the volatile nature of corporate ventures into game development.
The genesis of Sunwise Games from a united team
The decision by 26 developers to stay together rather than disperse was the catalyst for Sunwise Games, as detailed by CEO and co-founder Irin Berry in a LinkedIn post. Berry, a former lead game engineer at Boss Fight, emphasized the team’s existing strong cohesion and shared success, including developing a title that reached number one globally. This pre-existing trust became the foundation of their new independent studio.
Berry noted that a core group had already shipped multiple complex games together, demonstrating their ability to collaborate and scale effectively. “We trusted one another, understood how to collaborate at scale, and knew that kind of team cohesion is rare,” Berry wrote, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz. This collective experience and mutual respect formed a powerful incentive to continue working together.
A new vision for independent game development
Sunwise Games is described as “intentionally small, senior-led, and structured for sustainability rather than rapid scale.” This approach contrasts with the often-demanding growth trajectories seen in larger studios or those backed by major publishers. The team, now comprising 30 developers, including the original 26 from Boss Fight, prioritizes craft, creativity, and shared values in its hiring process.
Their focus on “systems-driven games with long-term depth, clear progression, and respectful monetization” signals a commitment to player-centric design and ethical business practices. This model seeks to avoid the predatory monetization schemes that have sometimes plagued the free-to-play market, aiming instead for engaging experiences that sustain player interest over time.
Such practices are increasingly valued by the gaming community. Recent industry reports, including findings from the Entertainment Software Association, show a growing demand for transparency and fair value in game purchases. Sunwise’s declared philosophy aligns well with these evolving player expectations.
This sentiment is also reflected in various industry surveys, such as those from the Game Developers Conference, which consistently highlight developer and player concerns regarding fair monetization practices. Sunwise aims to address these widespread industry desires directly.
The formation of Sunwise Games represents more than just a new studio; it signifies a powerful statement about developer autonomy and the pursuit of a more sustainable model within the often-turbulent gaming industry. As they prepare to announce their first PC-first title, the industry will watch closely to see if their senior-led, player-focused approach can indeed chart a successful and enduring course. This venture embodies the future developers want to build, prioritizing long-term vision over short-term gains.
