Joseph Staten, a core creative mind behind Halo, has joined Netflix as the Creative Director for a new “AAA, multiplatform game” based on an original IP. Staten, who recently left Microsoft after nine years, announced via Twitter: “So today, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve joined @Netflix Games as Creative Director for a brand-new AAA multiplatform game and original IP. Let’s go!”
Staten’s Work at Bungie and Microsoft
During Staten’s time at Bungie, he played a significant role in the story and worldbuilding of Halo, which would go on to become Xbox’s first major franchise. Staten served as the writer and director of cinematics for Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. He worked as a writer on Halo 3 and Halo: Reach and served as a writer and creative director for Halo 3: ODST. In addition to his work on the Halo series, he’s written one book and one short-story set in the Halo universe.
After his time at Bungie, Staten joined Microsoft as a senior creative director for Xbox Game Studios Global Publishing. He later returned to his Halo roots as head of creative at 343 Industries in the lead-up to Halo Infinite’s release. Following mass layoffs at Microsoft that heavily affected 343 Industries, he left the studio to rejoin Xbox’s publishing team in January of this year.
Netflix’s Big Investments in Gaming
Netflix has been making significant investments in the gaming industry in recent years. In October 2022, the streaming giant confirmed that it had 55 games in active development. Netflix currently owns five internal game development studios, including one led by Night School Studios, the developer of Oxenfree.
Netflix is also building studios from scratch, including a game studio in Finland and another in California led by Chacko Sonny, who previously worked on Blizzard’s Overwatch and Sony’s God of War. For now, Netflix’s game offerings are available as part of the streamer’s standard subscription and have largely focused on mobile ports of games such as Into the Breach and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, accessible through the Netflix mobile app. Netflix has teased that it is considering launching its very own cloud gaming service as well.
Staten Excited for New Role at Netflix
Staten expressed his excitement for his new role at Netflix on Twitter, saying, “In my work life, there’s nothing I love more than collaborating with others to build worlds filled with iconic characters, deep mysteries, and endless adventures.” With Netflix focused on making its own original content, it’s exciting to see what kind of new world Staten and the rest of the team will create for their upcoming “AAA, multiplatform game” based on an original IP.
