Netflix will soon launch Netflix gaming service to broaden its horizons and uncover new financial potential. The firm hopes to achieve the same level of success with this as it did with OTT films.
There is currently no release date set. However, it is scheduled to be released before the end of 2022. This shift to games does not imply that the American studio will abandon its film and television shows efforts. All of this will continue at its regular pace.
Why is Netflix branching out into gaming?
According to the streaming giant’s most recent numbers, its userbase growth has recently slowed. Netflix appears to have made a wise decision to enter the gaming market to attract many new users. Theall goes according to plan, targeting a new but potential population of gamers might completely transform the OTT landscape. This would also enable Netflix to gain ground on competitors like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
In a letter to shareholders in 2019, Netflix emphasized the growing importance of gaming. Despite having more screen time than its average competitors, the company disclosed that it was losing to the popular online multiplayer game Fortnite.
Netflix will compete better with such popular games if it enters the gaming market directly.
Netflix’s gaming service going to be free?
According to reports, Netflix will not charge subscribers individually for its games. Both video and gaming material will be included in a single membership price.
However, it should be that mentioned this is a standard technique for new services. They begin with little to no profit and gradually implement a charge as their userbase grows large enough. As a result, it’s not unreasonable to believe that Netflix will follow suit and begin charging separately for Netflix gaming service in the future.
What Kinds Of Games Will Netflix Provide?
Despite the lack of a specific gaming area, the OTT service is no stranger to the genre. The corporation previously worked with a developer to adapt its IP, Stranger Things.
Furthermore, Netflix has previously delved into the murky territory at the crossroads of movies and games. In other words, the platform has produced shows that fall within the “interactive film game” category, such as Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
An interactive cinema game combines a movie and a video game. A film is created based on the player’s selections in this game. As a result, there’s a reasonable probability Netflix will concentrate on interactive cinema games based on their properties.
Aside from that, the service may offer games similar to the Stranger Things game. Given that Netflix has previously released games created by independent developers, certain indie games on the platform shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Keep an eye on the timeline below for the most up-to-date information on Netflix’s gaming service.
Timeline of Netflix’s Gaming Service
According to The Information, Netflix is considering launching a gaming documentary Netflix similar to the Apple Arcade. It’s also been disclosed that the California-based company is aggressively looking for a project manager.
Netflix initially decided not to include advertisements in the Netflix gaming console. In addition to cellphones and computers, TVs were mentioned as a potential future destination for the company’s gaming service. At the same time, these designs were described as “very much in flux,” indicating that the final product is still in the works.
Axios later revealed more details about the gaming service’s content a few days later. It indicated that the service would include both original IP and independent games. Furthermore, news has spread that Netflix’s gaming service will be available to current users by the end of the year.
Mike Verdu, a gaming industry veteran, has been hired by Netflix
Netflix made a significant move by appointing former Oculus Vice President Mike Verdu to manage its next venture. He adds years of industry expertise to the streaming giant, with his portfolio stints at Electronic Arts, Zynga, and Atari.
Verdu has been promoted to Netflix’s vice president of game development. He’ll also report directly to Netflix Chief Operating Officer Greg Peters.
According to sources, the stock market noticed the company’s decision to accelerate its new initiative.
The initial focus will be on mobile gaming
Netflix indicated that its games would first be focused on mobile phones as the target platform. According to the company, the Netflix cloud gaming will be available as a bonus category under an existing Netflix membership (no additional charges).
excited as ever about our movies and TV series offering, and expect a long runway of increasing investment and growth across all of our existing content categories,” Netflix wrote in a letter to its investors, “but since are nearly a decade into push into original programming, we think the time is right to learn more about how our members value games.”
The company’s strategy of first optimizing games for mobile gaming explains Game Dev Lead Mike Verdu’s hiring, who has previously worked on mobile games at EA Mobile and Zynga.
Netflix acquired its first game development studio and expanded its game portfolio
Netflix acquired Night School Studio, making it the first game developer to be developed by the streaming service. Previously, the firm worked on critically acclaimed titles like Oxenfree, accessible on PC, consoles, and smartphones.
Surprisingly, this is the same group who worked on a game based on Netflix’s Stranger Things, which was ultimately canceled. Night School Studio appears to have completed a full circle, from working with the streaming giant to becoming the first essential element of its new gaming effort.
Netflix’s gaming platform has acquired new titles amid this acquisition. Stranger Things 3 are now available on Netflix in Spain and Italy, where they were previously only available in Poland. In addition, three new games have been released in these countries Card Blast, Teeter Up, and Shooting Hoops.
Games from Netflix are now available on iOS
The streaming service amended its previous article to say that the game above collection is now available on iOS.
These titles are available through the Netflix app on Apple’s operating system-based smartphones and tablets. To play, you’ll need an active Netflix subscription. Furthermore, all of the specifics that apply to these games on Android also apply to iOS.
Conclusion
Although this doesn’t explain the shift, it’s reasonable that Netflix would wish to reclaim its IP from other game stores now that the app has its own games area.
Krishan Jangir