Netflix’s Gaming Expansion: Testing Streaming Video Games in US

flat screen television displaying Netflix logo
Photo by Thibault Penin

Netflix is making waves in the gaming industry. Their latest venture? A cloud gaming service. This move marks a fundamental shift for Netflix as it expands beyond TV shows and movies into the realm of streaming video games. With colossal expansion, Netflix’s game service is not just an add-on but a significant part of their business. They offer different games, showing their commitment to providing diverse entertainment options.

Netflix Cloud Streaming is Finally in the United States

Netflix began a limited beta trial in the US after successful testing in Canada and the UK in August. This development is a massive leap for Netflix’s aspirations. In 2021, Netflix started making video games for mobile devices called Netflix Games. The first games, such as Oxenfree and Solitaire, offered various options to play. Cut the Rope, LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed and Twelve Minutes are other games that provide multiple options. The games offer a variety of options like puzzles, platformers, card & craps, and strategy games. They cater to different interests. The US trial is crucial in broadening Netflix’s reach in the industry.

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Devices that Support Netflix’s Games

Netflix’s innovative gaming experience is evolving with a range of supported devices. Players use their mobile phones as controllers, enhancing their gaming experience. For iPhone users, Netflix offers a controller app, simplifying game control on TVs. The new app is designed for ease of use, allowing a seamless transition from watching to playing.

Games are also playable on Macs and PCs using a keyboard and mouse. Such flexibility guarantees that a broad audience can engage with Netflix’s cloud gaming offerings.

In its initial beta test, Netflix has enabled gaming on several devices. The list has Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart ONN. The company is working hard to expand the list so more people can access its games.

Netflix is working hard to improve its cloud gaming experience so that more people can enjoy it.

Video Games that are Available on Netflix

Netflix’s platform now features some engaging games, each offering a unique gaming experience.

Night School Studio developed the first game, Oxenfree, a graphic adventure game released in 2016. Pioneer Game is a spooky thriller about friends who accidentally open a ghostly rift. Alex brings her stepbrother, Jonas, to an island party where things get scary. Netflix has a fantastic game. The story is captivating, and the gameplay is interactive.

The second game, Molehew’s Mining Adventure, offers a different thrill. It’s described as a gem-mining arcade game. However, details about its storyline, features, and gameplay have yet to be widely known. This game looks interesting, like an arcade game with mining and exploration elements.

Both games can be played on many devices through Netflix. The app for mobile daily gaming enhances the interaction, making it convenient for players to dive into these adventures.

Future Prospects for Netflix’s Gaming Studios

Netflix’s game development division is set to grow and innovate. The company bought a lot of game studios and made its own, creating an extensive collection of games.

Netflix has opened a games studio in Helsinki, Finland. The co-founder and general manager of Zynga Helsinki leads it. Young Studio joins Netflix’s other studios, including Next Games, Night School Studio, and Boss Fight Entertainment, each focusing on developing games for different audiences​​. Netflix acquired Next Games, a Finnish company that publishes Stranger Things and Walking Dead games. They also acquired Boss Fight Entertainment, a studio based in Allen, Texas. Night School Studio, known for its first release for Netflix, Oxenfree, was the first games studio to join Netflix.

Netflix is also focusing on developing games based on its popular shows like “Squid Game,” “Wednesday,” and “Black Mirror.” Plans to release a “Grand Theft Auto” game through a licensing deal with Take-Two Interactive have been discussed, indicating an ambitious approach to leveraging its entertainment properties​​.

Netflix and Ubisoft are teaming up to make three mobile games, including a new Assassin’s Creed. These games accompany the Assassin’s Creed series that Netflix is working on. The partnership underlines Netflix’s commitment to offering high-quality gaming experiences to its subscribers​​.

Netflix is also releasing games tied to shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Stranger Things,” “Narcos,” and “Vikings: Valhalla.” One example is The Queen’s Gambit: Chess, a game by Ripstone that lets you dive into Beth Harmon’s world. Another is Shadow and Bone: Destinies, a role-playing game developed by Chimera Entertainment. More shows, such as Too Hot To Handle and La Casa De Papel, are being made. These series cover many genres and themes. Netflix is committed to combining games with series, buying studios, and creating new ones. 

Bottom Line

Netflix’s venture into gaming represents a notable evolution in its entertainment offerings. Netflix is becoming a big player in the world of gaming. They create games from popular movies and acquire established game studios to accomplish this. The app makes it easier for subscribers to enjoy games on many devices. Streaming and gaming are merging in the growing trend of digital entertainment. Netflix is growing its gaming collection. It could become a strong competitor by offering unique games on its streaming service.

Derek Knightly
Derek Knightly
Co-creator of the website Tonights.TV. Who lives and breathes the world of movies and television.

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