After spending almost 12 years at Obsidian Entertainment, Avowed game director Carrie Patel has bid farewell to the studio and taken on a similar role at Night School, the developer behind the Oxenfree games, which is owned by Netflix. The announcement of her departure and new position was made in a short message on LinkedIn, where she stated, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Game Director at Night School: A Netflix Game Studio!” Night School, founded in 2014, gained recognition with its first release, the supernatural adventure Oxenfree, in 2016. Netflix acquired Night School in 2021, marking a significant milestone as it was Netflix’s first studio acquisition, signaling its entry into the gaming industry. However, recent developments suggest a shift in Netflix’s gaming strategy.
Netflix’s initial ambitions to make a mark in the gaming industry seem to have waned in recent years. The closure of a new studio aimed at creating “the next big thing in gaming” in October 2024, along with the transition of Netflix’s vice president of games to a different role, raise questions about the company’s commitment to gaming. Additionally, there were layoffs at Night School in February 2025, although Netflix downplayed the impact by stating that only a small number of employees were affected. Despite these challenges, Patel made the decision to leave Obsidian and join Night School, a move that surprised some given her successful tenure at Obsidian, where she worked on acclaimed titles such as Avowed, Pillars of Eternity, and The Outer Worlds.
Patel’s transition to Night School may have been influenced by various factors, such as Netflix’s financial resources to attract top talent or her desire to work with a smaller team. While Patel has not elaborated on her reasons for the move or her role at Night School, it is evident that she brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the team. Netflix has confirmed Patel’s appointment as a game director at Night School but has not provided further details. As Patel embarks on this new chapter in her career, the gaming community eagerly awaits her contributions to future projects at Night School.
As a young journalist, you may be wondering why all this gaming industry drama matters. Well, it’s a glimpse into the competitive and ever-evolving world of game development, where talented individuals like Carrie Patel navigate opportunities to make their mark. The dynamics between studios, publishers, and streaming giants like Netflix offer a fascinating backdrop to the creative process behind our favorite games. So, while the specifics of Patel’s move may not be crystal clear, the implications for the industry as a whole are worth paying attention to. Whether she thrives in her new role at Night School remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the gaming landscape is always full of surprises.
