Netflix has always been interested in video games. But this year, the company decided to take it to a higher level. And a few weeks after the project was announced, the first tests were conducted … in Poland.
On the Polish Twitter account, SVOD announced this test to users. As you can see in the image below, when the user opens the catalog, Netflix will show them two games along with the thumbnails of the movie and series.
Let’s talk about Netflix and games.
Members in Poland today can try out Netflix mobile games on Android using two games, Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3. It’s very early days and we have a lot of work to do in the coming months, but this is the first step. https://t.co/yOl44PGY0r
– Netflix Geeked (NetflixGeeked) August 26, 2021
If the user opens these games, they will be redirected to the Play Store for download. But it can also download these titles directly from the Play Store. In any case, the user will have to enter their contact information on Netflix in order to access the games included in their subscription.
“Today Polish members can try out Netflix mobile games on Android with two games, Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3. It’s a very early stage and we have a lot of work to do in the coming months, but this is the first step.”We read in the company’s announcement. Netflix also specifies that these games included in the subscription to the streaming service do not include advertisements or in-app purchases.
In essence, there are no cloud games, for now. Furthermore, the games are not integrated into the Netflix app. However, as part of the testing conducted in Poland, a Netflix subscription also gives access to premium games and these games are shown in the catalog along with movies and series.
Games are available to Netflix subscribers at no additional cost
Previously, Netflix had already indicated that gaming content would be available at no additional cost to its subscribers. “We see games as another new category of content for us, similar to our expansion into original movies, animation, and unscripted television,” Explain the company to its shareholders.
The goal is not to make video games a new source of income (some media have suggested that Netflix could create a gaming subscription comparable to Apple Arcade), but to attract new subscribers by providing a new type of content. In 2020, restrictions strongly boosted SVOD’s growth. Today, however, this growth has slowed.
To carry out its gaming project, Netflix has hired Mike Verdu, a Facebook and Electronic Arts alumnus, who has become the vice president of video game development.
