The gaming landscape is witnessing a notable shift as Carrie Patel, the former director of Avowed, embarks on a new chapter with Netflix. In a recent LinkedIn announcement, Patel revealed her transition to Night School Studio, a subsidiary of the streaming powerhouse, where she will take on the role of game director.
Patel’s Journey in Game Development
Patel’s career has been marked by significant milestones, particularly during her nearly 12-year tenure at Obsidian Entertainment. She joined the company in 2013 as a narrative director, quickly ascending through the ranks. By 2016, she was named narrative co-lead, and in 2018, she achieved the position of senior narrative designer. Her trajectory culminated in November 2019 when she was appointed as game director. Throughout her time at Obsidian, Patel contributed to acclaimed titles such as Pillars of Eternity, Pillars of Eternity 2, The Outer Worlds, and most recently, Avowed.
Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021, marked the company’s inaugural foray into the gaming industry. Prior to its acquisition, the studio garnered recognition for its work on the critically acclaimed game Oxenfree. However, the journey has not been without its challenges. In February 2025, Netflix announced layoffs at Night School Studio, coinciding with a broader wave of changes within the company. This period of transition included the closure of its triple-A focused Blue studio and a reshuffling of leadership, with games head Mike Verdu moving to a new role and being succeeded by Epic Games veteran Alain Tascan, who ultimately departed the company altogether.
As Patel steps into her new role at Night School Studio, the gaming community watches with anticipation, eager to see how her extensive experience and creative vision will shape the future of interactive storytelling within the Netflix ecosystem.
