After launching several games based on a number of its original series, streaming giant Netflix is looking to roll out more video games based on its IP, with 55 games currently in development.
While Google has given up on its Stadia cloud gaming platform, Netflix is aiming to go beyond mobile and bring some of its games to PC and TV that’ll allow subscribers to play over the cloud.
In a conversation with TechCrunch, Netflix VP of games Mike Verdu stated, “We’re very seriously exploring a cloud gaming offering so that we can reach members on TVs and PCs. We’re going to approach this the same way we did with mobile, which is start small, be humble, be thoughtful, and then build out. But it is a step we think we should take to meet members where they are on the devices where they consume Netflix”.
The streaming giant recently released its third quarter financial results which hint at “big opportunity” surrounding content between TV, film and games.
Netflix wrote in its letter to shareholders, “Our first year was about establishing our gaming infrastructure and understanding how our members interact with games. With 55 more games in development, including more games based on Netflix IP, we’re focused in the next few years on creating hit games that will take our game initiative to the next level. More generally, we see a big opportunity around content that crosses between TV or film and games.”
When asked how the streaming company can avoid walking the same path as Google in Stadia’s disappointing outcome, Verdu said gaming is a “value add” for Netflix’s business model. “We’re not asking you to subscribe as a console replacement, so it’s a completely different business model . The hope is over time that it just becomes this very natural way to play games wherever you are,” said Verdu.
Netflix is obviously looking to delve deeper into video games than we thought. The company has even announced that it’ll be opening a gaming studio in California.
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
