Netflix reportedly looking into developing its own subscription-based gaming service.
Netflix Steps into the Gaming World
Netflix is jumping headfirst into the gaming industry, hinting at a major push in this direction. Reports suggest the streaming giant is on the hunt for a gaming executive and consider building their own Apple Arcade-like gaming subscription service.
The Information broke the news on Friday, with unnamed gaming sources indicating Netflix has talked to "veteran game industry executives." Although specifics remain unclear, one potential option could be an online gaming subscription offering Netflix's original titles. Notably, Netflix stipulates that their gaming service won't feature any advertisements.
Similarly, Reuters and Axios echoed these reports, suggesting a "smaller Apple Arcade" embodying licensed Netflix intellectual property and original work from independent studios. Netflix's statement, while stopping short of a confirmation, highlights the success of interactive shows like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and You v. Wild, and games based on Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel, and To All the Boys.
Expanding its content offerings might be Netflix's strategy to attract more subscribers, as it faces slowing growth in the U.S market and increased competition from rivals. Historically, Netflix has seen potential in gaming, with the Witcher, Resident Evil, Castlevania, DOTA: Dragon's Blood, Angry Birds: Summer Madness, Assassin's Creed, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners being just some of the video game adaptations either produced or in the works.
Current Rumors
Netflix's supposed gaming service could debut as early as 2022, though plans are still shifting. Given Google and Amazon's struggles with their own online gaming services, there's a chance Netflix might scrap the idea altogether.
Diverse Gaming Portfolio
Netflix Games aims to cater to a variety of tastes, with puzzle adventures like Carmen Sandiego, cooperative games like Steel Paws, and competitive titles such as Street Fighter IV CE in the works[1]. The company is delving into the massively multiplayer online game market with Spirit Crossing, designed to create friendship and community[2].
Additionally, Netflix intends to update popular IPs like Squid Game Unleashed, showcasing a focus on both original and licensed content[3]. The company places importance on encouraging social and collaborative gaming experiences[4].
In summary, Netflix is keen to make a mark in the gaming industry with a mix of established franchises and innovative titles, ultimately aiming to boost user engagement across its platform.
- It's likely that Netflix will likely bundle their gaming service with their streaming content, considering their success with interactive shows and video game adaptations.
- The tech world has corroborated reports suggesting Netflix is planning to create a smaller version of Apple Arcade, featuring licensed Netflix intellectual property and original work from independent studios.
- In the future, Netflix Games is expected to cater to a diverse range of tastes, with puzzle adventures, cooperative games, competitive titles, and even massively multiplayer online games in the works.
- If Netflix's rumored gaming service debuts in 2022, it will join a competitive market, where tech giants like Google and Amazon have struggled with their own online gaming services.
