adminSpry Fox Spirit Crossing is moving toward a new stage of development as its creator returns to independence after separating from Netflix. The studio says nearly 50 people are working on the cozy multiplayer life simulation, which it describes as its biggest game to date. A Steam beta is planned for spring, with a full launch expected later in 2026.
Spry Fox Spirit Crossing and the studio’s return to independence
Spry Fox, known for mobile games including Alphabear and Triple Town, has confirmed that it is no longer part of Netflix. Netflix acquired the studio in 2022, and the separation follows changes in the company’s approach to games. The transition from discussing a possible spinout to becoming independent took about three months, a notably short period for a change of this scale.
Spry Fox founder David Edery said the studio had to move quickly to separate its operations. The team working on Spirit Crossing is made up mostly of full-time staff, alongside some part-time contractors and co-developers at partner studios. Edery said comparable games could require two to four times as many people, so the team is developing the project with a relatively small workforce.
Practical takeaway: A lean team can make development more demanding, so the beta will give players an early opportunity to see how the game is taking shape before its planned full release.
Salary reductions and employee ownership
The founders said they have made substantial financial sacrifices to support the studio’s future. Edery and co-founder Dan Cook reduced their annual salaries to $20,000 and used personal funds to buy the studio back. They also plan to give the majority of the new company’s equity to its employees.
The founders described the ownership plan as an effort to create a fairer structure, with staff sharing in the company’s future. The change is a significant part of the studio’s independence: Spry Fox is not only continuing development outside Netflix, but also establishing a different approach to ownership and compensation.
Spirit Crossing release plans
Spirit Crossing began development in 2019. The game is still intended to launch as a free mobile title for Netflix subscribers, while the independent studio is also preparing a Steam version. A beta is targeted for spring, followed by a full release later in 2026. Spry Fox has said it plans to bring the game to additional platforms as well.
- Development began: 2019
- Team size: Nearly 50 people
- Steam beta: Planned for spring
- Full launch: Targeted for later in 2026
- Mobile availability: Still planned as a free title for Netflix subscribers
Release dates and platform plans can change during development. Players interested in the Steam version should check for official updates as the beta approaches, while mobile availability remains tied to Netflix subscriptions.
What the spinout means for Spry Fox
The studio’s departure comes during a difficult period for the games industry, with many companies and projects facing closures or cancellations. Edery described the opportunity to continue independently as a hopeful outcome amid those challenges. For Spry Fox, the immediate priorities are completing its largest project so far, preparing the Steam beta and building a sustainable independent business.
In short, Spry Fox Spirit Crossing now represents both the studio’s next major release and its first major project under its new independent structure. The spring beta and later-2026 launch will be key milestones for the team and for players waiting to see how the cozy multiplayer game develops.
Image credit: Spry Fox
