
TL;DR
- Netflix has confirmed that it’ll embody cell video games at no further cost for subscribers.
- It’s not clear which video games you’ll get, the way you’ll get them, or how a lot they’ll price.
- Rumors had pointed to a doable launch by 2022.
Netflix is lastly shedding mild on its push into gaming. As The Verge famous, Netflix has confirmed in a shareholder letter that it’ll supply video games to subscribers at “no extra price,” beginning with cell titles.
The corporate didn’t define the video games it might supply, the supply mechanisms, or the platforms it might help. It didn’t point out a launch date, both. It solely justified the transfer by arguing that the “time is correct” to grasp how Netflix subscribers admire video games.
Netflix additionally just lately prolonged a cope with Shonda Rhimes to incorporate gaming, however there’s no assure that may tie into video games for subscribers. The streaming big beforehand relied on interactive exhibits like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch in addition to branded tie-ins just like the Stranger Issues video games.
A Netflix video games providing can be one thing of a chance. Whereas there’s little doubt that lots of its subscribers are avid gamers (The Witcher is profitable partly attributable to recognition from avid gamers, not simply readers), it’s not clear many individuals will subscribe only for an opportunity to play some ‘free’ cell video games.
There’s additionally the not-so-small matter of competitors. Netflix must compete towards the likes of Apple Arcade and Google Play Go, each of which have had loads of time so as to add video games to their assortment. These rival providers are centered solely on video games, nonetheless, and even an Apple One bundle is a tricky promote until you’re deeply invested within the Apple ecosystem. Netflix might need an edge just by being ubiquitous — there’s an excellent probability you’re already a subscriber. This can be extra about protecting clients than encouraging new sign-ups.
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