Netflix thinks big for its video games. The streaming platform is internally testing the possibility of playing its video games directly on television, using a smartphone as a controller, Bloomberg revealed Thursday.
This is evident in the hidden code of the Netflix application on iOS, Apple’s operating system, discovered by developer Steve Moser. “Hidden app code on iOS says: ‘A game on your TV requires a controller to play. Do you want to use your smartphone as a controller?'” he explains on Twitter.
Diversify to better retain subscribers
Although it experienced slow growth in 2021 and 2022, Netflix has embarked on a diversification of its content to offer mobile gaming. In September 2022, Netflix even announced the creation of its own studio to be able to develop 100% internal titles, without partners.
Video games are included in the Netflix subscription, without advertising, without additional costs and without in-app purchases. Among the titles offered since launch, “Into the Dead 2: Unleashed”, “Stranger Things 3: The Game” or “Card Blast”. The objective: to retain your subscribers on your platform.
Currently, your games can be viewed from the Netflix app, but to play them, you need to download them from app stores like the App Store and Google Play. An impractical process to democratize your new content.
40 new video games are expected in 2023
The group had already announced last October that it was working on a cloud video game service, without giving any schedule.
Since the creation of its video game subsidiary, Netflix has released “55 games, to which approximately 40 additional titles will be added this year,” Leanne Loombe quantifies in a blog note. “In addition, 70 new games are being created with our partners and will be added to the 16 titles currently being developed by our internal studios.”
Source: BFM TV
