All About Netflix Gaming Service We Know Till Date

In an effort to broaden its reach and discover an exciting new business opportunity, OTT streaming leader Netflix is set to introduce its own gaming service. The company is hoping to achieve the success it enjoyed when it launched the OTT films.

At present, there is no official release date for the game yet, however, it is scheduled to launch before the year 2022’s end. The expansion of games does not mean that the American company will reduce its efforts in the realm of movies and series. The entire process will continue to be carried out at a normal pace.

Why Is Netflix Getting Into Games?

In light of the recent statistics of Netflix’s streaming company, it appears that its growth in its user base has been slowing lately. Gaming is an excellent move for Netflix to attract lots of new customers. 

If all goes according to plan targeting a brand new and promising group of gamers could transform your OTT landscape for the better. This could also aid in helping Netflix to leave its rivals as Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ left in the dust.

In the year 2019, Netflix highlighted the increasing importance of gaming in an open email for its investors. Netflix revealed that, even though it was ahead of its competitors normally in terms of screen-times however, it was losing to the game that is gaining popularity online: Fortnite.

“We compete with (and lose to) Fortnite more than HBO,” the letter clearly stated.

In direct competition with the gaming business, Netflix can compete better against these games that are popular in addition.

Will Netflix Gaming Service Be Free?

There is a report that Netflix will not charge customers for games. The bundle of gaming and video content will be included in the same subscription fee.

However, it must be observed it is actually a standard approach for startups. They begin with little to no revenue initially, but start charging as their user base expands enough. 

It’s not impossible to imagine that Netflix may follow suit and in the future, charge separately for games.

What Kind Of Games Will Be Available On Netflix?

Although it does not have a separate section dedicated to games OTT platform is not new to this genre. This is due to the fact that the company previously worked with a developer in the adaptation of its own IP, Stranger Things.

Additionally, Netflix has already explored the gray zone that is at the crossroads of films and games. This means that Netflix has launched shows like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch — that are within the “interactive film game” category.

For those who aren’t aware that an interactive film game is a game-film fuse. In this type of game, a film is played out according to the choices made by the player. There’s a good possibility Netflix might focus its efforts on games that interact with a film that is based upon its own IPs.

Additionally, it could be able to offer games that are like those in the Stranger Things game. Noting how Netflix has released games by independent developers it shouldn’t be a surprise to see some games from independent developers available on the platform.

Netflix Gaming Service Timeline

If you’re interested in knowing the most recent updates to Netflix’s gaming services be sure to check the timeline below.

21 May ’21: Reports About Hunt For Game Dev Lead Start Surfacing

The News revealed that Netflix has a keen interest in offering a gaming platform similar to the Apple Arcade. It was also reported that the company based in California is currently looking for a person to oversee the development.

The report referred to Netflix’s initial decision not to include ads within the game. Apart from desktops and smartphones TVs were also mentioned as a possible future location for the gaming platform of the company. However, the projects were described as “very much in flux,” meaning that the product isn’t a finalized product as of yet.

Then, a few days later Axios revealed additional details about games offered by the service. It said that the service will feature games that are inspired by original IPs and also indie games. Additionally, the word spread that the gaming service of Netflix will be accessible to current customers by the end of the year.

14 July ’21: Netflix Hires Gaming Industry Veteran Mike Verdu

In a significant move, Netflix hired an ex- Oculus vice president Mike Verdu to lead its new venture. Alongside Electronic Arts, Zynga, and Atari among his previous employers, Verdu brings decades of experience in the field for the company that is a streaming service.

Verdu is now the vice head of game development for Netflix. In addition, he will direct report the Netflix Chief Operating Officer Greg Peters.

According to the report, the company’s decision to speed up its project was noted by the market. After the hiring was completed the stock price of Netflix increased by as much as 3.3 percent (~$566).

21 July ’21: Mobile Gaming To Be The Focus Initially

Netflix has confirmed that initially, it would concentrate on mobile phones as the primary gaming platform. The company also stated that the games would be available as a bonus feature under the current Netflix subscription (no additional costs).

In an email for its shareholders, Netflix stated, “We’re excited as ever about our movies and TV series offering, and we expect a long runway of increasing investment and growth across all of our existing content categories, but since we are nearly a decade into our push into original programming, we think the time is right to learn more about how our members value games.”

The strategy of the company to first improve the games for mobile gaming is the reason for its hiring Game Dev Lead Mike Verdu who has worked on mobile games for EA Mobile and Zynga in the past.

26 Aug ’21: Netflix Gaming Rolls Out For Android Users In Poland

Netflix has begun testing its gaming service following the launch of Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3 on Android devices in Poland. The Netflix Geeky tweet confirmed that the games are completely free of advertisements and don’t require the need for in-app purchases.

In contrast to what we’d expect The games aren’t streaming directly to your device rather, they’re operating on the hardware of your smartphone. In order to play a game, you’ll need to get it downloaded from the Play Store. Then you’ll be able to play it using Netflix. Netflix app. This means that Netflix is merely an interface for accessing the Play Store games for now.

31 Aug ’21: Stranger Things 3 Being Removed From Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG

Strangers Things 3, one of the games launched in the Netflix gaming services and is now removed from the video game client like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. Fortunately, the players who purchased the game prior to when it was removed, will still be able to play the game through the same client.

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Tomorrow, Netflix Games will start rolling out on the Netflix mobile app. First on Android, with iOS on the way.

It’s early days, but we’re excited to start bringing you exclusive games, with no ads, no additional fees and no in-app purchases. pic.twitter.com/ofNGF4b8At

— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) November 2, 2021

On Steam the developer BonusXP posted a note “We’re very grateful for all the Stranger Things fans that traveled back in time with us to the Summer of ’85 for this adventure through Hawkins.”

Although this does not explain the motivation for the change it’s understandable that Netflix would like to acquire its trademarks away from other game stores with its own gaming section on its app.

Additionally, it is also the case that the game’s Twitter page and the dedicated website on the BonusXP website have also been removed recently.

29 Sep ’21: Netflix Acquires Its First Game Development Studio; Launches More Games

Night School Studio becomes the first game studio to be bought by Netflix. Before that, the studio was involved in games like Oxenfree, which was a highly acclaimed game that is available for consoles, PCs, and mobile phones.

In a strange way, it’s the same team who once developed the game that was based on the Netflix series Stranger Things, which was eventually pulled. The situation appears to be coming complete circle with Night School Studio as it is now cooperating with Netflix’s streaming company to become the very first integral component of its brand new gaming initiative.

As part of this acquisition, Netflix’s gaming platform has been updated with new games. Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3 both of which were initially available in Poland and Poland, are now available through Netflix across Spain and Italy also. 

In addition, three additional titles, including Card Blast, Teeter Up as well as Shooting Hoops, have also launched in these regions.

3 Nov ’21: Netflix Games Arrive On Android Devices

Netflix has announced it has made its game available to all Android users in the world. Five of the first games that will be rolling out include Stranger Things: 1984, Stranger Things 3: The Game, Card Blast, Shooting Hoops, and Teeter Up.