Carrie Patel, the game director of Obsidian Entertainment’s recently released RPG Avowed, has left the Microsoft-owned studio to join Netflix Games. Patel will work with Night School Studio, the team behind narrative-driven games like Oxenfree that Netflix acquired in 2021.
The move comes shortly after the launch of Avowed, a first-person RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. Patel played a crucial role in the game’s development, having been brought in to overhaul the project during a particularly challenging phase of its creation.
Patel leaves behind an impressive legacy at Obsidian, where she contributed significantly to the studio’s most acclaimed titles. She served as a narrative designer and writer on Pillars of Eternity, lead narrative designer on Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, and contributed to The Outer Worlds. Fans particularly praised her work on Parvati’s storyline in The Outer Worlds for its emotional depth and character development.
Night School Studio seems like a great match for Patel’s storytelling chops. Known for creating engaging narrative adventures, the studio’s focus aligns with Patel’s strengths in character and world-building. With Netflix continuing to boost its gaming lineup, bringing on experienced talent like Patel shows the company’s focus on making quality, story-driven games.
Netflix recently shifted its gaming strategy from large-scale AAA projects to mobile and narrative-focused titles. After some restructuring and layoffs earlier in 2024, the streaming giant appears to be doubling down on what’s working—story-rich experiences that complement its broader entertainment offerings.
From swords to streaming
The move shows an industry trend where big tech companies are picking up established game development pros by offering solid pay and fresh opportunities. While some say these kinds of moves can be risky since tech companies sometimes change direction in games, creators can often find new resources and chances that are tough to get at traditional studios.
For Obsidian, Patel’s departure leaves a major creative gap as the studio keeps working on upcoming projects. Meanwhile, Netflix scores an experienced director who knows how to build engaging stories and handle the ins and outs of game development.
