The return of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has fans buzzing. Following the success of its first season, which brought the gritty, neon-lit world of Cyberpunk 2077 to life, the second season promises a darker, bloodier narrative. Directed by Kai Ikarashi, who helmed the standout “Girl on Fire” episode from season one, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 will deliver a standalone 10-episode story focused on redemption and revenge in Night City. Showrunner Bartosz Sztybor teased a raw, emotional journey, though no premiere date was confirmed. The teaser trailer, blending clips from the first season with new concept art, has heightened anticipation for this next chapter.
Anime Lineup Packed with Variety
Netflix’s anime offerings for July 2025 and beyond cater to a wide range of tastes. Sakamoto Days: Season 1 Part 2, set to stream starting July 24, continues the action-packed tale of a retired hitman balancing family life with his deadly skills, produced by Toruku studio. Beastars, a fan-favorite exploring anthropomorphic drama, returns with new episodes, while Leviathan, premiering July 10, adapts Scott Westerfeld’s novel into a steampunk-inspired adventure. Directed by Christophe Ferreira and produced by Qubic Pictures and Orange, Leviathan follows a fugitive prince and a girl disguised as a boy navigating a world of machines and beasts.
Also on the horizon is Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, an animated adaptation of the iconic video game franchise, featuring Liev Schreiber as the voice of Sam Fisher. Written by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad, the series promises intense stealth-action storytelling. Other notable titles include The Summer Hikaru Died, a psychological horror series debuting July 2025, and My Melody & Kuromi, a stop-motion celebration of the 50th anniversary of Sanrio’s My Melody, produced by WIT Studio’s Toruku. These releases reflect Netflix’s investment in diverse genres, from action and horror to family-friendly animation.
Spirit Crossing: A Cozy MMO Adventure
Netflix’s gaming push takes a bold step with Spirit Crossing, a cozy massively multiplayer online (MMO) game developed by Aniplex Inc. and Joycity Corporation. Described as a relaxing, community-driven experience, the game aims to carve a niche in Netflix’s growing gaming portfolio. While details remain sparse, a trailer set to drop on July 10, 2025, will reveal more, including potential ties to the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem. This move aligns with Netflix’s broader strategy to integrate gaming into its platform, following successes like Hades, Civilization VI, and Street Fighter IV: Champion Edition.
Strategic Expansion in a Competitive Market
With nearly 150 million subscribers worldwide, Netflix faces stiff competition from streaming rivals like Disney, Apple, and specialized platforms. Its response has been to invest heavily in original content, particularly in anime and gaming, which appeal to younger, global audiences. The Anime Expo announcements build on Netflix’s history of delivering acclaimed animated series, such as Arcane and Devil May Cry, and its gaming efforts, which include cloud-streamed titles and mobile exclusives. By offering games like Spirit Crossing to subscribers at no additional cost, Netflix aims to enhance user engagement and differentiate itself in the crowded streaming landscape.
The company’s focus on anime is particularly strategic, given the genre’s growing global popularity. Titles like Dan Da Dan and Record of Ragnarok III (set for December 2025) demonstrate Netflix’s commitment to both new adaptations and established franchises. Collaborations with studios like TMS Entertainment and Powerhouse Animation ensure high production values, while partnerships with game developers like Ubisoft and CD Projekt Red bolster its gaming credentials.
What’s Next for Netflix’s Anime and Gaming Ambitions
Netflix’s Anime Expo showcase signals a robust pipeline for 2025, with releases spanning July through December. The inclusion of Detective Conan’s curated episode selection, available in English sub and dub starting July 3, further broadens its appeal. As Netflix continues to refine its gaming.
