Will Netflix’s new gaming strategy rival Microsoft and Sony?

BRAZIL - 2021/11/04: In this photo illustration, the Netflix Games logo seen displayed on a smartphone on top of a keyboard. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
BRAZIL - 2021/11/04: In this photo illustration, the Netflix Games logo seen displayed on a smartphone on top of a keyboard. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Netflix is changing things up. After establishing itself as the leading force in movie and show streaming, the service is setting its eyes on gaming. While there are already a few Netflix games available to play, you’ll soon be able to play dozens.

An anonymous source told the Washington Post that Netflix plans to have close to 50 games on its platform by the end of the year. That’s a considerable step up from the 18 games they currently offer. Betting hard on gaming could help the company stand out from its ever-increasing competitors and retain dropping subscribers.

Netflix recently experienced its first quarterly drop in subscribers in a decade, losing 700,000 after pulling its service from Russia. Since the opportunity to expand into new channels is a best-case scenario for market expansion, it only makes sense that Netflix would embrace the booming gaming market.

What Can You Expect from Netflix Games?

Netflix isn’t the first streaming service with games. Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation’s PS Now all let you stream games directly to your console, phone or computer. So, what sets Netflix apart?

To start, Netflix isn’t streaming its games at all. Instead, you download Netflix games onto your phone. You can download and access them all from the Netflix app, so you don’t need to venture outside of the service, but you won’t stream them. While this is a surprising move for a streaming platform, it could help overcome latency issues related to game streaming.

Some Netflix games will tie in with its shows. The company’s already announced a digital version of Exploding Kittens to pair with a TV adaptation of the same franchise. It’s also developed a League of Legends spin-off game after premiering its League spin-off show, Arcane.  If these end up being a success, you could expect Netflix to launch future games based on its movies and shows or vice versa.

Netflix could also launch more game-movie hybrids like Bandersnatch. Telltale Games, who’s made a name for itself breaking down barriers between games and shows, has already brought its Minecraft: Story Mode to the platform. These story-driven, point-and-click games are a natural fit for the platform, so you could expect to see more.

Right now, Netflix game downloads are only available on mobile. As it expands its gaming catalog, though, Netflix games for PC or other platforms could become a reality. Alternatively, the company could return to its roots and embrace game streaming, which would make titles available across all platforms.

Another question that remains in the air is Netflix game microtransactions. Netflix game downloads are free right now, but that doesn’t mean they always will be. The company is making unprecedented moves like charging for password sharing to make up for lost profits, so adding microtransactions would make sense.

Netflix Is Expanding

Much of the details around Netflix games remain uncertain at this point. What is clear, though, is that Netflix is becoming much more than a place to binge old episodes of your favorite comfort show.

Netflix game downloads could help the service break new ground. The lines between games and movies and the platforms that host them could continue to blur. You just have to wait and see.