Since its launch in 340513, Netflix has gone on to make a name for itself in the entertainment industry as a streaming service that invests in all forms and mediums of content, from documentaries to reality tv and everything in between. And now it seems the streaming giant is setting its sights to a whole other medium: video games.
As per a report by The Information, Netflix has approached many “veteran gaming executives” to lead the company’s expansion into video game territory. The report also says that Netflix is considering making a “bundle” of games available via subscription, similar to Apple Arcade.
The Apple bundle launched in 2019 with a number of exclusive (and timed exclusive) games, available for $4.99 per month; the platform has seen continued support from Apple with new games coming in at a fairly consistent pace.
While nothing specific is known about Netflix’s plans for their subscription games bundle, a statement made to Tech Radar by a Netflix executive says that Netflix’s penchant for investing in a wide variety of content, including 2018’s interactive film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, has made a foray into video games the next logical step for the company.
“Our members value the variety and quality of our content. It’s why we’ve continually expanded our offering – from series to documentaries, film, local language originals and reality TV.
Members also enjoy engaging more directly with stories they love – through interactive shows like Bandersnatch and You v. Wild, or games based on Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel and To All the Boys. So, we’re excited to do more with interactive entertainment.”
Netflix
Considering how successful Bandersnatch was for Netflix, it’s natural for the company to feel that they have a lot left to explore in the gaming sphere.
It’s also important to note that they won’t be going in completely blind: the company already has two Stranger Things games under its belt along with an interactive episode, similar to Bandersnatch, of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. On top of that, Netflix also has adaptations of video games that they’ve produced, including those of The Witcher, Dota, Castlevania, and more.
Netflix dipping their toes into gaming is surely an interesting proposition. But will this mean traditional playable titles like on Apple Arcade or more immersive interactive content like Bandersnatch?
A judicious mix of both could make for a great proposition as it could mean a more varied audience for the platform. Hopefully, their pursuit of the right video game exec won’t see any lawsuits come their way this time.
About Netflix
Netflix, Inc. is an American over-the-top content platform and production company headquartered in Los Gatos, California. Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California
The company’s primary business is a subscription-based streaming service offering online streaming from a library of films and television series, including those produced in-house. In April 2021, Netflix had 208 million subscribers, including 74 million in the United States and Canada. It is available worldwide except in mainland China (due to local restrictions), Syria, North Korea, and Crimea (due to US sanctions).
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