As far as streaming platforms go, they don’t get much bigger or better than Netflix. But,
because of Netflix’s unrivaled success for multiple years, it’s led to other services set
out to steal its crown. Therefore, Netflix aims to stay one step ahead of the game by
potentially bringing games to the fore via its platform.
At present, Netflix remains one of the leading streaming services around where TV shows
and movies are concerned, but gaming has always been muted as an option for platforms
such as Netflix, and it’s a format that has been used in similar scenarios with live gaming
and even popular bingo games have been adapted. But why is there a belief that this
could this be a reality for Netflix?
Well, it turns out that Netflix is currently believed to be working on a feature that will allow users of its service to use their smartphones as a controller. And, more specifically, as a game controller. Some may assume that it’s just Netflix being smart and developing a way for subscribers to use their handset as a way to control the service if they can’t find the TV remote, for example, but the code states a game on your TV needs a controller to play. Do you want to use this phone as a game controller?
At present, Netflix has a gaming element available via their service, which isn’t spoken about too much with its start to life in 2021, not something to write home about. But, this gaming component of Netflix has and continues only to be available to access and use via smartphone and tablet, and reports suggest that less than 1% of subscribers have actually made use of the service.
What also gives credence to rumors that all the above is accurate and will be officially unveiled at some point in 2023 is that for the last year to eighteen months, Netflix themselves have been working hard behind the scenes in acquiring game studios. Spry Fox, Next Games, and Night School Studio have all been purchased and now operate under Netflix’s guidance.
There were also reports last year that Netflix had plans to build their own world-class in-house game studio that would not only allow them to make original gaming content of their own but to do so without the need to include ads or in-app purchases. Bringing the likes of Spry Fox, Next Games, and Night School Studio into the company works with this theory, as their game devs and so on will likely operate in-house at Netflix moving forwards. While there continues to be no official word from Netflix on these developments and reports, it does appear that many components are being brought together to execute an overall bigger plan. And it can only be suitable for those who would enjoy a proper gaming experience included in their Netflix subscription while still being able to watch the latest movies and their favorite TV shows.
