Game On! Netflix Unveils New Game Streaming Beta in the US

Highlights

Netflix has launched its game streaming beta in the US, following its release in Canada and the UK in August 2023.

Netflix offers a diverse selection of games as part of its subscription, without any extra charges or advertisements.

The beta test is aimed at evaluating game streaming technology on different devices, and Netflix intends to extend this service to more televisions and computers in the coming time.

Netflix's game streaming beta has finally made its way to the US, following its successful launch in Canada and the UK in August 2023. While the company has been striving to enter the gaming market for some time, it has faced challenges in achieving widespread success. Many people are unaware that Netflix offers more than just movies and TV shows, as they also provide captivating adventure games that are definitely worth a try for subscribers.

Although most of the available game titles on Netflix can be found on other platforms, this may contribute to the service being overlooked. Additionally, the fact that these games are currently only accessible on mobile devices could be a downside for some users. However, the appealing aspect is that playing games through Netflix is already included in the subscription price, without any extra fees, in-app purchases, or advertisements. Moreover, the platform is gradually attracting experienced industry professionals like Joe Staten, a former creative lead of Halo Infinite at 343 Industries, who is now collaborating with Netflix on an exciting AAA game.

Netflix is set to expand beyond mobile devices and enter the world of TVs and PCs, which is the aim of the ongoing games streaming beta. Presently, the beta only features two games: Night School Studio’s Oxenfree and Molehew’s Mining Adventure, an exciting "gem-mining arcade game." The beta test was launched on October 16 in the United States, but the eligibility criteria and selection process remain unclear.

Netflix is conducting a beta test to assess the performance of its game streaming technology on various devices such as Amazon Fire, Chromecast by Google, LG and Samsung TVs, Roku, Nvidia Shield, and Walmart ONN. The company plans to expand its list of supported devices in the future. Currently, Netflix has released a controller app for Android and iPhone to enable gaming on these devices. However, many gamers may not find the option of playing games through a phone app appealing. Therefore, if the beta test is successful, Netflix aims to develop an actual controller for an enhanced gaming experience.

With the increasing popularity of video games, particularly on mobile platforms that generate substantial profits, adapting games into movies or shows has become highly successful. Netflix has experienced this firsthand with the well-received The Witcher TV series and the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime based on CD Projekt Red's critically acclaimed RPG. Consequently, offering both types of media through a single service is a logical move for Netflix. Additionally, although it received mixed reviews, the company has also ventured into the world of Resident Evil with its upcoming 2022 show, and is currently developing a television adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn.

Source: The Verge