Netflix is teaming up with Microsoft-owned Mojang’s Minecraft for the newest installment in its interactive story content for kids. Minecraft: Story Mode is a licensed five-episode interactive narrative series set to premiere on the SVOD this fall.
Created and developed by digital entertainment publisher Telltale Games in collaboration with Mojang, it initially debuted in 2015. The series is set in the world of Minecraft, and users play as protagonist Jesse, voiced by comedian/actor/writer Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille, WordGirl). Story Mode was previously available as a game on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and compatible iOS and Android devices. It remains to be seen how Netflix’s version will differ with the SVOD emphasizing that it does not have plans to get into gaming.
Instead, it is going to be an extension of the previously released interactive stories on Netflix including Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout from Hasbro Studios, Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale produced by DreamWorks Animation Television, and American Greetings Entertainment’s Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile. While the SVOD declined to give any additional details at this time, its previous interactive content was released globally on iOS and select TV devices, combining a choose-your-own-adventure story with original Netflix series. Apple TV, Android devices, Chromecast and Netflix’s website do not feature the interactive programming.
Those interactive episodes began with introductions explaining how the system works to viewers, and kids could then jump around to different plot points and click through to find various outcomes. While users choose between the two options, the characters continue talking and interacting to avoid lulls. If a viewer fails to pick an option, the system picks for them.
Minecraft, for its part, has been diving into the TV world recently, teaming up with Nickelodeon for Super League Gaming Minecraft City Champs, a new eSports series that follows teams of players representing their cities in a multi-week national tournament. It is a part of Viacom Digital Studios inaugural slate.