Entertainment giant Netflix has set its sights on a new market: video games. Yes, you read that right. The company who revolutionized the “mail to your door” option, contributed to the streaming wars and blazed new paths in awards, is expanding its reach.
From as early as May, rumors have abound with the possibility that Netflix was dipping its toe into the gaming service. With the arrival of Stranger Things 3, in 2019, on the Nintendo Switch along with other Netflix properties, speculation about the company’s next move loomed.
In a letter to its shareholders, Netflix finally confirmed on Wednesday that it will be offering games free to existing subscribers.
“[We] think the time is right to learn more about how our members value games,” the letter stated. “Initially, we’ll be primarily focused on games for mobile devices.”
A source familiar with Netflix’s plans told Bloomberg that the company has hired former Electronic Arts and Oculus veteran Mike Verdu as its vice president of game development. It remains unknown who else will join his team. Netflix could launch its gaming service within the next year. Like Netflix Originals, games will have their own stand alone category.
With the rumor settled, gamers may be wondering how Netflix will differ from GameFly, the online video game rental service. GameFly offers monthly game subscriptions and has added movie rentals and purchases to its catalogue. Of course, there is a plethora of digital marketplaces including Switch, Steam and Apple. It will be interesting to see how things develop in the coming months.
So, will this ignite another platform war? How will Netflix entice new subscribers?
Sound off! Would you consider becoming a subscriber to play their games?
Via, nintendolife.com, Bloomberg.com
