Netflix, known by many as the top dog in the streaming world, is taking a bold step into new territory. This change could alter how we think about the brand as a whole. It’s not just about movies or TV shows anymore; Netflix is introducing video games into its vast collection. This addition means that the giant streaming platform, which has been a go-to for countless movie nights and binge-watching sessions, is now looking to offer even more. Some people might be surprised by this move, thinking of Netflix only as their favorite place to catch up on TV series.
But this latest venture shows that Netflix is always evolving and is eager to offer its subscribers more diverse entertainment options.
The Gaming Ambitions of Netflix
Everyone started talking when Netflix made an exciting announcement. They revealed that they were beginning to test out their new cloud-streamed games. For now, only a few lucky subscribers in Canada and the UK get to try these games out. What caught many people’s attention was that not everyone could access these games right away. Mike Verdu, who is in charge of games at Netflix, shared in a blog post that they are only doing a “limited beta test.” This means they’re letting a small group of members give it a go first.
Even though it sounds like a small step, it’s a big deal for Netflix. It could mean a lot of new things are coming for the streaming giant in the world of gaming.
But here’s a fun fact: Netflix isn’t a complete newbie when it comes to games. They first tried it out back in November 2021. At that time, they gave their subscribers some mobile games as a little extra treat. But there was a catch: you could only play these games on phones or tablets that were either iOS or Android.
Now, with this new announcement, things are getting even more exciting. Netflix is saying you can now play their games on TVs and even through the internet on your computer. This shows that Netflix is looking to spread their games to as many places as possible. They might even give the big gaming companies a run for their money by bringing their games to our living rooms and desktops.
The New Gaming Titles to Watch Out For
When diving into Netflix’s new gaming world, players will find two cool game titles waiting for them. The first game, called Oxenfree, comes from the creative minds at Night School Studio. Fun fact: this studio is now a part of the big Netflix family. The second game has a catchy name: Molehew’s Mining Adventure. Verdu, the guy in charge of games at Netflix, describes it as a fun “gem-mining arcade game.” Imagine digging for shiny gems and having a blast while doing it!
What’s different about this new Netflix gaming experience? It’s the way you play the games on your TV. Instead of using a regular game controller, you’ll use your phone! If you have an Android phone, you can quickly turn it into a game controller through the Netflix app.
But if you have an iPhone, you’ll need to get a special app to play. Chrissy Kelleher, who speaks for Netflix, shared with The Verge that this special app for iPhone users popped up out of the blue on the App Store not long ago. And for folks who prefer playing these games on their computer? They can use their mouse and keyboard like they would for other computer games.
Compatible Devices for Netflix Gaming
As of now, the following devices are equipped to support Netflix’s latest gaming offerings:
- Amazon Fire TV streaming media players
- Chromecast with Google TV
- LG TVs
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Roku devices and TVs
- Samsung Smart TVs
- Walmart Onn
However, this list is bound to expand. Verdu assures that more devices will be incorporated into this gaming journey “on an ongoing basis.”
Streaming Quality and Gaming Experience
Many of us, myself included, have yet to personally dive into and experience these new cloud-streamed games by Netflix. However, given Netflix’s long-standing reputation and expertise in delivering high-quality streaming content, there’s a strong feeling of optimism. Many believe that they’ll offer a gaming journey that’s smooth and engaging. But it’s also worth noting that video games can be tricky. They might not always be as lenient with little technical hitches as when you’re watching a gripping episode of Stranger Things, and the video lags for a second.
Of course, like with any new venture, there could be a few hiccups or challenges as they roll out these games. But from what we can see, Netflix seems ready to tackle any obstacle head-on. They’ve done their homework. Their take on cloud gaming seems to follow the path Microsoft carved rather than taking cues from Google’s less-than-stellar run with Stadia. And let’s not forget – if ever there are issues, Netflix isn’t leaving its subscribers high and dry. They’ve got a solid collection of 70 mobile games to fall back on, ensuring subscribers always have something entertaining to play.
To wrap things up, this bold move by Netflix marks a significant chapter in their story within the digital entertainment world. The future holds a lot of possibilities, and while we’re eager to see the outcome of this venture, one thing is for sure: Netflix is changing the game quite literally.
So, let’s strap in and enjoy the ride. Cheers to gaming, Netflix!
