Netflix's next service will be video games

"Further expanding into games.” Those were the words used in a letter that Netflix recently sent out to their shareholders. Now, I don’t know about you, but this is intriguing to me, especially since they’re also saying that the games will be available to users without having to pay extra. 

I know this probably doesn’t come as a surprise to most since there were whispers of Netflix making this move earlier in the year. But, let’s just say things are starting to get serious. I’ll tell you the why and how in what follows. You can leave me your thoughts and expectations afterward.

Right now, the project is still in development. The foundation is being built and the wheels have been set in motion. These games are going to be available on mobile and will be made ad-free. At least, that’s what they’re saying now. Mobile games will be their main focus right now.

Entering the gaming world is a big step for Netflix, but I think they’re trying to put more distance between them and the other services that have come along over the years. Disney+, Amazon, Hulu, etc. Those services have been stiff competition for Netflix, but by giving subscribers gaming capabilities, they have the opportunity to step in front of the pack. 

Of course, there are already streaming gaming services out there, but this expansion will make Netflix a dual-threat, so to speak, forcing those other movie/TV show streaming services to make an expansion of their own if they wish to keep up. Word has it that Netflix has even brought an expert on board to help them with the development of their new video game venture.

Mike Verdu is a heavy-hitter from EA (Electronic Arts) and Facebook. Verdu was a high-ranking executive for both of those companies and is now overseeing the development of Netflix’s video game service. Again, it’s too early to tell or assume anything right now, but if I was to guess, I would say that we can expect some familiar video game titles featured on Netflix. Specifically, titles that were spawned from EA and Facebook.

You may remember that I reviewed a couple of Stranger Things games a while back. Stranger Things is a Netflix original series, meaning they own the rights to it. This also means that they had to give their permission to make an official Stranger Things mobile game title. 

Netflix has a plethora of original titles, including Stranger Things, and they’ve also let it be known that they plan to tinker with the idea of developing more games that are based on their original shows/movies. I’ll let your imagination wander with that one. All I can say is that I’m hoping for some more Marvel games and maybe something for BoJack Horseman, Ozark, and G.L.O.W., but that’s just me.

When can we expect to be playing some fun games via Netflix? According to several reports, 2022 is the goal, barring anything crazy happening in what’s left of 2021. I’m going to keep an eye on this story and wait for any more solid info to come out. 

When that happens, I’ll either add it to this post or write up another one, depending on how big or small the info is. In the meantime, keep your eyes and ears open over the next few months and I’ll be sure to do the same. If you do happen upon any good info between now and then, or just want to talk about what you expect from this project, feel free to sound off in the comments section below.

Until we meet again,

Vince The Prince