Night School Studio
Night School Studio is a Los Angeles-based indie game developer (founded 2014, acquired by Netflix in 2021) that creates narrative-driven interactive entertainment with branching dialogue systems, distributed across Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Apple Arcade, and Netflix's cloud gaming platform.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersGlendale, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Night School Studio does
Night School Studio is an independent narrative game development studio founded on October 1, 2014 by cousins Sean Krankel and Adam Hines and headquartered at 1341 Vine St., Los Angeles, California. The studio specializes in story-driven interactive entertainment and is recognized for titles including the supernatural teen thriller OXENFREE (2016), the afterlife comedy Afterparty (2019), the space road-trip adventure Next Stop Nowhere (2020), and the sequel OXENFREE II: Lost Signals (2023). In 2021, the studio was acquired by Netflix, becoming the streaming company's first gaming studio acquisition; it now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary inside Netflix's gaming division.
The studio's technical foundation rests on the Unity engine and a proprietary 'intelligent conversation system' that powers branching dialogue mechanics — player choices alter character relationships and story outcomes rather than steering a fixed linear plot. Recent titles have introduced novel input schemes that depart from traditional controllers: OXENFREE II uses a walkie-talkie mechanic for communicating with NPCs, and the upcoming horror title Unhinged (June 2026) employs a QR-code system that turns players' smartphones into flashlights and in-game receivers while the title runs on a TV. Localization for OXENFREE II covers 30+ languages including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, and Vietnamese, with voice talent on newer projects drawn from Zoë Kravitz, Sadie Sink, and Troy Baker.
Night School operates a multi-channel revenue model. One-time purchases of indie-priced titles flow through Steam, PlayStation 5/4, and Nintendo Switch storefronts with periodic launch discounts. Subscription-licensed distribution covers Apple Arcade (where Next Stop Nowhere launched as an exclusive) and Netflix's gaming platform — where OXENFREE II mobile and Unhinged are bundled with a Netflix membership, with no ads, additional fees, or in-app purchases. Output cadence is roughly one major title every two-to-three years, consistent with a boutique organization of 11-50 employees operating within a strategic parent.
Night School Studio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Night School Studio
- Legal name
- Night School Studio LLC
- Website
- https://nightschoolstudio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Night School Studio is a Los Angeles-based indie game developer (founded 2014, acquired by Netflix in 2021) that creates narrative-driven interactive entertainment with branching dialogue systems, distributed across Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Apple Arcade, and Netflix's cloud gaming platform.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Night School Studio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Narrative Video Games
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Indie Game Studios (MPAFAAAC)
Keywords
Where Night School Studio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Glendale
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Night School Studio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Game Sales (Direct Platform): OXENFREE II sold directly on Steam, PlayStation 5 & 4, and Nintendo Switch as standalone purchases. Full price game sales with launch discounts offered.
- Subscription Licensing: Next Stop Nowhere released exclusively on Apple Arcade subscription service. OXENFREE II and OXENFREE available on Netflix mobile included with membership without ads, additional fees, or in-app purchases.
- Netflix Gaming Platform: New titles like 'Unhinged' released exclusively on Netflix gaming platform, bundled with Netflix subscription at no additional cost.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Apple Arcade Subscription |
| Subscription | Monthly | Netflix Membership Inclusion |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Direct Platform Purchase |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Night School Studio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Night School Studio is an independent game development studio that creates narrative-driven adventure games featuring branching dialogue systems and player-driven storytelling. Founded in 2014 and acquired by Netflix in 2021, the studio produces games across Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Netflix mobile/cloud gaming, and Apple Arcade. Its portfolio spans supernatural thrillers (OXENFREE franchise), comedy adventures (Afterparty), space road trips (Next Stop Nowhere), interactive TV tie-ins (Mr. Robot), and short-form horror experiences (Unhinged).
Product overview
Night School Studio is an independent game developer specializing in narrative-driven games with intelligent conversation systems and player-driven storytelling. Founded in 2014 and acquired by Netflix in 2021, the studio produces games across multiple platforms including Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Netflix, and Apple Arcade. Their portfolio includes the supernatural teen thriller OXENFREE (2016) and its sequel OXENFREE II: Lost Signals (2023), the demon-escape adventure Afterparty (2019), the space road trip game Next Stop Nowhere (2020), the interactive Mr. Robot experience, and the upcoming horror game Unhinged (2026) developed exclusively for Netflix. All games feature branching narratives, relationship systems, and dialogue mechanics where player choices meaningfully impact story outcomes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- OXENFREE Original supernatural teen thriller narrative adventure game featuring an intelligent conversation system where player choices affect the story and relationships. Players control Alex, who takes friends to Edwards Island for a night of partying that turns supernatural.
- OXENFREE II: Lost Signals Narrative adventure sequel featuring new characters Riley and Jacob in Camena, a coastal town experiencing mysterious supernatural interference. Built around a walkie talkie mechanic allowing players to connect with various contacts throughout the game world. Supports localized subtitles in over 30 languages.
- Afterparty Narrative adventure game where players control Milo and Lola, two best friends who are dead and in hell. The core mechanic involves challenging Satan to drinking contests to earn re-entry to Earth, with branching dialogue and relationship systems.
- Next Stop Nowhere Space road trip adventure game released exclusively on Apple Arcade. Players help courier Beckett and former bounty hunter Serra rescue Serra's son Eddy while navigating gangsters, bounty hunters, and deep space dangers. Features branching dialogue, relationship systems, and cross-device play.
- Mr. Robot Interactive narrative experience tied to the television series universe, described as allowing players to 'hack democracy' through interactive storytelling.
- Unhinged Horror game developed exclusively for Netflix featuring a phone-as-controller mechanic. Players scan a QR code to link their smartphone as a flashlight controller and receive in-game phone calls. Features voice acting by Zoë Kravitz, Sadie Sink, and Troy Baker with multiple branching paths.
Quantifiable outcome
- Netflix gaming downloads reached 74.8 million in first ten months of 2025, up 17% year-over-year
Companies that use Night School Studio
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Night School Studio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature4 records
Night School Studio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Night School Studio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Supermassive Games: UK-based studio behind Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology — a near-direct comparable making choice-driven, horror-leaning narrative games with branching outcomes on console/PC.
- Dontnod Entertainment: Developer of Life is Strange and Tell Me Why — comparable as a narrative-adventure studio focused on player choice, character relationships, and cinematic storytelling.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Night School Studio social profiles
Digital presenceNight School Studio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Night School Studio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Night School Studio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Night School Studio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Night School Studio
What does Night School Studio do?
Night School Studio is an independent game development studio that creates narrative-driven adventure games featuring branching dialogue systems and player-driven storytelling. Founded in 2014 and acquired by Netflix in 2021, the studio produces games across Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Netflix mobile/cloud gaming, and Apple Arcade. Its portfolio spans supernatural thrillers (OXENFREE franchise), comedy adventures (Afterparty), space road trips (Next Stop Nowhere), interactive TV tie-ins (Mr. Robot), and short-form horror experiences (Unhinged).
Is Night School Studio a public or private company?
Night School Studio is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Night School Studio founded?
Night School Studio was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Night School Studio based?
Night School Studio is headquartered in Glendale, United States, in the North America region.
How does Night School Studio make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Game Sales (Direct Platform) is the primary driver. The others are subscription Licensing and netflix Gaming Platform.
Who are Night School Studio's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Supermassive Games and Dontnod Entertainment.
Does Night School Studio have an API?
No public API is recorded for Night School Studio.
What industry is Night School Studio in?
Night School Studio's product category is Narrative Video Games. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAC, Indie Game Studios. Its SIC code is 7372.