Threads
- Netflix has stepped into the world of video games using its streaming platform by introducing over 80 games in the app.
- Netflix and gaming seem like two contrasting ideas where the prior is a passive act, while the latter involves active engagement.
- Although the gaming statistics are improving slowly, it has still failed to catch the attention of Netflix’s user base.
Netflix is a video-streaming platform where you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies from various countries. The best part is that there are no ads involved for an uninterrupted viewing experience.
However, the catch is that you have to get a monthly subscription. It offers various plans to meet your requirements. Rather quickly, the platform is trying to move into video gaming and I am sceptical about the move.
Netflix And Gaming
Known and loved as a video streaming platform, Netflix has slowly been leaning into the gaming side. In 2022, Netflix started to roll out video games in its app. Subscribers can get these games on their Android/iOS phones via Netflix.
Currently, more than 80 games like Sonic Prime Dash, Grand Theft Auto III, and Tomb Raider Reloaded are added to the app which users can play. Additionally, Netflix offers games based on popular TV shows, such as Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3, which are derived from the acclaimed series Stranger Things. Similarly, Shadow And Bone has its game version called, Shadow And Bone: Enter The Fold.
Just like watching a show, you can play games on multiple devices simultaneously based on your plan’s limit. Additionally, the company announced it was testing the gaming feature on a wider variety of devices, like Smart TV and PC. Control the game via a mobile phone, however, a keyboard and mouse are also an option on a PC.
Gaming Data
As per CNBC, Greg Peters, Netflix’s CEO mentioned, “The eyes that we have on the long-term prize really center more around our ability to create properties that are connected to the universes, the characters, the stories that we’re building.”
While Netflix believes such tactics will help keep users engaged with the platform while they wait for the next episode of their current watch, the integration did not appeal to their user base as expected.
In 2022, CNBC reported that less than 1% of the total Netflix subscribers play the games daily with the total downloads standing at 23.3 million. However, the figure went up to 70.5 million in 2023.
Why Netflix Should Stay Away From Gaming?
Netflix’s venture into gaming hasn’t really been successful so far. Although we did see an improvement in the stats from 2022 to 2023, it has failed to create any sort of hype among the users.
In fact, most users, like me, just scroll past their games section onto the TV shows. This is because our minds unconsciously link Netflix to streaming shows and movies. None of us think of games when hearing the word, Netflix.
Moreover, probably the majority of us would prefer our consoles and PCs when we are in the mood for gaming. For light gaming, we can simply access games through the Play Store or Apple Store on our phones. There’s no need to open Netflix, browse its collection, and then install the titles.
It will be a huge challenge for Netflix to alter consumer behavior and bring them towards the idea of Netflix gaming. One reason for this is that the features that define Netflix and video games are opposite. Video games require active engagement and a sense of rush while streaming shows on Netflix is a passive act that lets us relax after a long day. Mixing these two aspects is certainly a risky idea.
Netflix must carefully execute its plans for gaming. Otherwise, it could lead the company to lose millions of dollars.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
[News Reporter]
Abiyan is on track to complete his Computer Science bachelor’s degree. His enthusiasm for writing and gaming motivates him to keep readers and gamers updated with the latest information from the industry. In his free time, Abiyan enjoys playing Dota 2 and Rocket League. Abiyan has also been cited in reputed websites such as Kitguru, Comicbook, GamingBible, Eurogamer and Gamingbolt.
Join Our Community
