Netflix is introducing a new feature that allows subscribers to access its mobile games on their TV screens. This exciting development comes as Netflix aims to provide more value to its users beyond addressing password sharing concerns. Mike Verdu, the Vice President of Netflix's gaming division, announced in a blog post that a selection of mobile games from Netflix's extensive and popular catalog will be available for streaming directly from the main Netflix app.
Initially, this feature will be accessible to select users in Canada and the UK, allowing them to enjoy these games on their televisions via the Netflix platform. In the near future, these same users will also have the option to play these games on their PCs and Macs. During the beta phase, users will have access to two games: the adventure game Oxenfree and Molehew's Mining Adventure. To play games on their TVs, users will need to scan a QR code displayed on their screen, which will lead them to a separate Game Controller App. While Netflix released this beta app for download recently, it will only function on the TV once the beta functionality is added. For games running on computers, a standard keyboard and mouse can be used, providing a more suitable control method for many of the available games. Netflix intends to expand this feature to include Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart ONN. They also plan to incorporate additional services as they move forward. Currently, the Game Controller App is the sole method for playing Netflix games on TV, with an interface resembling the face buttons of a traditional controller, along with a joystick widget. Netflix has not disclosed plans for third-party controller support at this time, as they are focused on refining the app. It remains to be seen whether Netflix will allow games designed for mobile phones, which make use of specific aspect ratios and touch controls, to be played on larger screens. Some titles, like Wonderputt Forever and Poinpy, rely on these mobile-centric features. Another example is Before Your Eyes, which utilizes a phone's cameras for eye tracking. The compatibility of these games with Netflix's interface will need further evaluation. Netflix's gaming division was established in 2021, but it received relatively little attention during its initial launch. Initially, Netflix focused on tie-in games related to its popular shows. However, in 2022, the company shifted its approach to encompass both indie and major IPs known in the gaming community. Netflix has also acquired well-known indie developers such as Night School and Spry Fox. Netflix's game library is extensive and includes a mix of genres, from adventure titles like Oxenfree and Oxenfree II: Lost Signals to action and strategy games like Into the Breach and Moonlighter. However, it also features less exciting card games and block-breaking titles commonly found in app stores. One challenge Netflix faces is making its gaming catalog more visible to users, as they must actively search for and download games from their respective app stores, logging in with their Netflix accounts to access them. As Netflix's subscription prices continue to rise and beloved series are canceled or removed from various subscription tiers, the addition of quality indie games may help retain subscribers seeking additional entertainment options.
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