September 22, 2023
Netflix is not only a platform for films and series, it is also a platform for games. A few weeks ago, the undisputed leader in video streaming started the first public tests of cloud streaming games.
Netflix users in the UK and Canada can try streaming games directly to platform-compatible TVs and other connected devices.
As Netflix's vice president of game development, Mike Verdu, points out, this is a "limited beta test" for a select group of users, and not all subscribers in these regions will have immediate access to the service. According to a report in The Verge, this is a significant step forward for Netflix's gaming ventures.
Netflix Games' first mobile gaming offering was launched in November 2021, as an added benefit for subscribers using the platform on iOS and Android devices. Now, by bringing cloud-streaming games to TVs and web browsers, Netflix subscribers could access games on a wide range of devices. This move would certainly open up the platform to competition for user engagement with games on the TV and PC platforms.
The current offering is very limited in terms of the number of titles available. The industry giant plans to offer around 100 games. Currently only two games are available in beta: the original Oxenfree, produced by Night School Studio (the company that is owned by Netflix), and the new gem mining arcade game Molehew's Mining Adventure.
When playing on a TV, in-game controls will be easier with the use of a smartphone. For Android users, a controller will be available via the Netflix app. Users of iOS, on the other hand, will have to download a special app for the controller. Those using a web browser to access the games will be able to use a mouse and keyboard to control.
The following TVs and connected TV devices are currently compatible with the Netflix games: Amazon Fire TV streaming media players, Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs and Walmart Onn.
As you can see, Netflix has ambitious plans for games and this move shows that it will be able to meet gamers' expectations. By investing in acquiring more developers, they aim to enrich the list of games available on their platform. The joining of Rafael Grassetti (who was previously Art Director at Santa Monica Studio) to the Netflix team makes it clear that the plans to create a AAA game are very serious. Do we have another big player growing in the cloud video game streaming segment?
#SzymonKarbowski #StreamVX #streaming #games #Netflix #CloudStreaming
There’s more to see. So why not contact us so that we can show you what vxApps can do.
After all, there’s probably no time to waste. So complete the form to have the opportunity to work for a dynamic company and its cutting-edge technology of the video industry!
With a demo you get: