OXENFREE, Night School Studio’s supernatural narrative adventure, was removed from Itch.io on October 1, 2024. The studio’s email notice told people who had bought it there to download the game before that date; it said existing downloaded files would remain playable. The reason for the removal was not established in contemporaneous reporting, and Night School’s ownership by Netflix does not prove Netflix directed the decision.
What happened to OXENFREE on Itch.io?
In September 2024, Night School Studio emailed Itch.io purchasers to say OXENFREE would no longer be available on the storefront beginning October 1, 2024. Game Developer and Gizmodo reported the notice on September 9, 2024. By the announced cutoff, the opportunity to download the Itch.io files had passed.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Afterparty Limited Run LRS95 | $49.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Oxenfree - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - US Version | $52.98 | Buy on Amazon |
The notice, as quoted by Game Developer and Gizmodo, said: “Oxenfree will no longer be available on itch.io beginning October 1, 2024. If you have already downloaded the game, you’ll be able to keep it and continue to play from your downloaded files. If you have not already done so, you can download files until October 1, 2024 to keep the game. Everyone who worked on Oxenfree deeply appreciates the support from our community over the past eight years and we hope to see you on another service or timeline soon. Thank you!”
This was wording attributed to the studio’s email notice, not a public statement from a named individual. The Itch.io page was reported down at the time.
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Can Itch.io buyers still play their copy?
The notice distinguished access to the storefront download from access to files already saved locally. It said purchasers who had downloaded the game could continue playing from those files. Contemporaneous reporting described the Itch.io download as a ZIP archive containing the executable.
If you saved the archive, keep an untouched backup somewhere reliable, such as an external drive or cloud storage you control, and retain any installation notes or account records that may help identify it later. A USB drive is optional; the available sources do not state the game’s file size or require any particular storage capacity. If you did not download the files before October 1, 2024, the notice does not promise that Itch.io would provide a replacement download afterward.
Rank #2
Why was OXENFREE removed?
The reason was unclear in the September 2024 coverage. Game Developer reported that it had contacted Netflix and Night School for comment; Gizmodo said Night School had not immediately responded to its request. Neither report established a rationale, and no named-person explanation was reported.
Netflix announced on September 28, 2021 that Night School Studio was joining the company. That ownership context is confirmed, but it does not establish who made the Itch.io delisting decision or whether Netflix ordered it. Treat claims assigning a motive or decision-maker as speculation unless supported by a direct, attributable statement.
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Rank #3
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
What is OXENFREE, and where else was it listed?
Night School Studio describes OXENFREE as a supernatural thriller in which friends open a ghostly rift. Its choice-driven conversations and radio mechanic are central to the game. Netflix’s 2021 announcement called it Night School’s best-known debut. The studio was founded by Sean Krankel and Adam Hines in 2014, according to its press kit.
When the Itch.io removal was reported in September 2024, Game Developer said the game remained available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Night School’s press materials also list Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple App Store, Google Play, and Netflix among platforms. Those reports and lists are not guarantees of current availability: storefront access, edition, and price can vary by region and change over time.
Rank #4
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Nintendo’s official US listing identifies the Switch version as a digital edition and names Night School Studio as developer; it does not indicate a physical cartridge. Check the relevant regional store directly for present availability and price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did Netflix say about Night School’s games?
In its September 28, 2021 announcement, Netflix said games would be included with membership, without ads or in-app purchases. That describes the plan stated at the time of the acquisition announcement; it is not an explanation for the 2024 Itch.io removal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A variety of playable characters are available, some with unique attributes that affect gameplay and platforming physics.
- Younger and less-experienced players will love playing as Toadette, who is brand new to both games, and Nabbit, who was formerly only playable in New Super Luigi U. Both characters offer extra assistance during play.
- Multiplayer sessions are even more fun, frantic, and exciting thanks to entertaining character interactions. Need a boost? Try jumping off a teammate’s head or getting a teammate to throw you.
- Features a wealth of help features, like a Hints gallery, reference videos, and a Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U that can complete levels for you if they’re giving you trouble.
- Three additional modes—Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle—mix up gameplay and add replayability, while also upping the difficulty for players who want to try something harder. Players can use their Mii characters in these modes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
