Poinpy Roars Back to Life as a Free-to-Play Masterpiece
In a stunning comeback, Devolver Digital has brought its critically acclaimed mobile platformer Poinpy back from the dead, and this time it’s better than ever. The game, which first launched on Netflix Games in 2022, had seemingly vanished into thin air after being delisted from the streaming service. But behind the scenes, a more nuanced story was unfolding.
According to Devolver co-founder Nigel Lowrie, Poinpy was never actually canned by Netflix, but rather simply fell out of exclusivity due to a timed deal between the two companies. “We had a contract with Netflix that allowed us to release the game on their platform for a certain period,” Lowrie explains. “Once that term expired, we were free to take the game wherever we wanted.” This revelation has sparked debate about the importance of clear contracts and exclusivity deals in the gaming industry.
But what’s really exciting is that Poinpy is now available as a completely free-to-play experience on mobile devices. No hidden in-app purchases or microtransactions mar this otherwise perfect platformer. “Ojiro [Fumoto, creator of Poinpy] had an idea to make the game totally free with a small tip option for folks who wanted to show their appreciation,” Lowrie says. This bold move is a testament to Devolver’s commitment to giving gamers what they want: pure, uncompromised gameplay.
But why did Netflix decide to support Poinpy in the first place? According to Ojiro Fumoto, it was all about collaboration and mutual respect. “I’m forever thankful that they collaborated with us,” he says. “Their support helped put Poinpy into the hands of many users who would have otherwise never come across the game.” It’s a shining example of what can happen when companies work together for the greater good.
As I sat down with Ojiro Fumoto to discuss the making of Poinpy, I couldn’t help but ask about the game’s enigmatic title. “The name ‘Poinpy’ was actually decided before we had any concept for the game,” he reveals. “We jammed out ideas and one of the lead artists sketched ‘Poinpee’, which eventually evolved into Poinpy.” It’s a fascinating glimpse into the creative process, and a testament to the power of brainstorming.
So what does this mean for the future of VR/XR? For starters, it shows that even in the most unexpected situations, great games can still emerge. And with the rise of cloud gaming and streaming services, we’re seeing more and more opportunities for developers to experiment and push boundaries. As Poinpy proves, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of creative freedom and a willingness to take risks to create something truly special.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-07-30