Netflix is synonymous with video streaming. However, there are many indications that the video streaming giant could expand into the world of video games. In recent days, reports from several sites have hinted that Netflix could launch a gaming subscription service.
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The Information was first to break the news (via The Verge) about Netflix’s plans to expand into the gaming realm. The publication reported on Friday that Netflix was looking to hire an executive to oversee new gaming efforts. The report also said that the company was exploring a gaming package similar to Apple Arcade and that Netflix had decided not to run ads in games. However, The Information notes that Netflix’s gaming plans are still “in the works.” A subsequent Reuters report confirmed that Netflix is indeed hiring someone to oversee its gaming expansion.
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Another source familiar with the matter told the website Axios to think of Netflix's gaming service as a smaller Apple Arcade — rather than a game streaming service like Microsoft's xCloud. Don't expect the service to launch anytime soon, as Axios reports that Netflix's service "could possibly launch in 2022.".
In a statement to The Information and Polygon, Netflix gave a typical PR response, neither denying nor confirming. But it wasn't hard to read between the lines. From the general tone of the statement, it seems like the company is indeed working on something gaming-focused.
One thing we've learned so far with gaming services is that it remains a difficult and complex space. However, with over 200 million subscribers and years of experience in the entertainment, Netflix's gaming service is sure to have a lot of potential.
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Netflix has toyed with the idea of interactive entertainment with films like “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” and “You Vs. Wild.” The company also has a growing list of titles based on popular games, including “Castlevania,” “The Witcher,” “Assassin's Creed,” and more.
Information source: xda-developers.com
