Film and TV streaming giant aims to expand offerings with video game streaming.
Netflix has confirmed that the streaming service will incorporate video games at no extra cost to its monthly subscription service. There were hints in recent weeks, like the appointment of a former EA executive.
The streaming company has released its latest shareholders letter, and within it the company lays out its intentions to include video games alongside its offerings of original content.
“We’re also in the early stages of further expanding into games, building on our earlier efforts around interactivity (eg, Black Mirror Bandersnatch) and our Stranger Things games, ” said the letter to shareholders.
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The letter to shareholders also notes that the company will start on the smaller end of the scale with mobile offerings, though it’s not clear by the wording if this means games made specifically for mobile (touch-based, no controller required) or traditional games being streamed through the mobile app.
“We view gaming as another new content category for us, similar to our expansion into original films, animation and unscripted TV. Games will be included in members’ Netflix subscription at no additional cost similar to films and series. Initially, we’ll be primarily focused on games for mobile devices.”
“We’re excited as ever about our movies and TV series offering and we expect a long runway of increasing investment and growth across all of our existing content categories, but since we are nearly a decade into our push into original programming, we think the time is right to learn more about how our members value games.”
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Netflix the future of gaming?
Netflix began as a movie rental service that relied on DVDs. Then the company saw the future as being all-streaming and bet big on its service. It won, too, while former household names like Blockbuster were left in the dust. Now, Netflix is eyeing up the lucrative games market which it’s already had a hand in with its interactive shows like Black Mirror, Bear Grylls, and even Minecraft: Story Mode.
Is this cause for concern for Sony and Microsoft? Not yet, but who knows what the future holds. Nobody thought it could get better than going down to Blockbuster on a Friday night to pick up a movie and snacks combo. These days, you can watch any number of movies anywhere you find yourself with an internet connection. Never say never.
