According to the latest reports, Netflix has launched and tested its Android games in Poland. The platform’s concept of Android games is similar to that of any casino online Australia has to offer. Let me explain. Just like a casino interface, Netflix’s Android games are hosted inside its main site. In addition, the streaming network noted that its two new releases would be accessible to paid subscribers for trials during the launch. The games launched include Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3.
Netflix conducted a pilot study in Poland to understand how its members will perceive mobile gaming. The members were also meant to determine whether Netflix would require other improvements for overall functionality. So why did it choose Poland? According to the Netflix team, they selected Poland as the first marketplace because it has an active mobile gaming audience, and it would give them timely feedback. Keep reading to find out how the streamer plans to conduct their new playing platforms since both versions of Stranger Things have been in place before.
How Netflix Plans to Make the Games Accessible
Before Netflix decided to launch its games, the idea was already in place. Both Stranger Things games were featured in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. However, the streaming platform decided to deliver both versions via the desktop and video game consoles. Although Netflix will be offering the games within its mobile app’s central tab, customers must visit the Google Play Store to install them. After downloading, users will have to confirm their Netflix credentials and then play the games on their Android devices.
When via the Netflix Android application, returning to the games will need players to click the “Play” button or directly launch it from their Android devices. Impressively, the games will not host ads and in-app purchases to give players an uninterrupted gaming experience. With the new additions, it is clear that Netflix intends to increase its user subscriptions. “We view gaming as another new content category for us, similar to our expansion into original films, animation, and unscripted TV. Therefore, games will be included in members’ Netflix subscription at no additional cost, similar to films and series, as the streamer stated in a letter to investors in June.
Netflix Plan to Reduce Competition
When it comes to content streaming, Netflix is among the top global sites offering the service. Currently, the platform boasts more than 200 million customers, but it has recently been performing poorly in terms of new customers subscription. The underperformance came following the pandemic, which saw the streamer lose 430,000 subscribers. In 2021 alone, it has only gained 4 million subscribers. Note that the company is not new to the gaming space as it interacted with games across popular sites such as Roblox and Fortnite in the past. It has also documented games such as Orange Is the New Black, Marco Polo, and Narcos. As we speak, the streamer has been working on the next generation AAA console game to create another crossover sport.
Netflix’s Future Plan
Equipped with the two new additions, Netflix can now increase its user subscriptions and retain current ones. The founder of Netflix, Reed Hastings, made their future intention clear when he stated that they want to bring gaming into the mainstream media. According to him, video games stand a significant chance of competing in the entertainment streaming space. On the other hand, experts believe that video games’ global spending will hit $175.8 billion by the end of 2021 and $200 billion by 2023. Here are some of the reasons the OTT giant’s technique will succeed:
- Games are embedded in Netflix’s main app;
- Inbound playing section is a part of the subscription service;
- A new vice president — Mike Verdu.
The platform’s strategy will mainly succeed as it has embedded the games in its main app.
Additionally, the inbound playing section is a part of the subscription service. As a result, users will access the gaming service in a different genre, similar to shows, documentaries, and movies options on its site.
It has also hired Mike Verdu, the former EA, Zynga, and Oculus executive, as their vice president of the gaming department to boost their future strategies.
Game Genres and Competition
The whole Netflix gaming thing might look like the next generation gaming platform, but don’t get overexcited yet. Netflix seems to play it down and provide its games with adaptation names of old or new films on its leading site. For example, the streamer announced it would add mobile games, but it did not specify which ones. However, with the recent launch, it looks like the in-house game development dwells in the past. Even Google has tried it before, but it was almost not feasible.
While looking for third-party studios to create games is the new strategy to embrace, Netflix could also try creating something similar to Apple Arcade’s video game subscription service (offered exclusively by Apple Inc). The technique can help the streaming giant create more appealing titles with lower graphics saturation yet highly addictive. However, judging from the gaming creation industry trends, Netflix is unlikely to make open-world games either; or ultra-realistic titles such as those used in Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Electronic Arts.
It is also unlikely that the streaming platform will not compete with cloud gaming services like Stadia or Xbox Game Pass or video games consoles such as Ps5 and Nintendo Switch, at least not yet. Instead, it will ensure it carves a niche of gaming titles that go hand in hand with its other features. Its games will also bring a more Arcade touch to its portfolio, keeping customers engaged to prevent them from jumping into other platforms for a fantastic gaming adventure. Up to date, the streaming service provider has targeted around 14 interactive series. They include:
- The Black Mirror
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
The Black Mirror: Bandersnatch launched in 2018, and it is among the most successful films on Netflix.
The comic Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs the Reverend’s interactive special launched in May 2020.
Final Word
The Gaming venture is way broader than many people perceive. For that single reason, Netflix must approach it with caution to make the most out of it. They can achieve success if they target the industry; the strategies include but are not limited to hiring an excellent team of gaming software developers and applying the right moves at the right time. On top of that, video gaming should be a form of lucrative entertainment to them; therefore, they should have all plans in place to compete with other gaming giants in this particular domain. It’s only a matter of time before other service providers follow suit to take this direction. Now that Netflix has created a niche for itself, let’s wait and see what will unfold in the future of the gaming space.
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