Popular streaming service, Netflix has announced its gaming service, ‘Netflix Mobile Gaming’ having a lineup of exclusive mobile games that will begin rolling out to all members globally on Android devices, starting this week.
To begin with, five mobile games are included for Netflix subscribers. The company is promising more to come – with no adverts in the game and no in-app purchases like those common in other mobile games. Of the five games launching with the service, two are linked to the streaming giant’s popular Stranger Things series:
- Stranger Things: 1984
- Stranger Things 3: The Game
- Card Blast
- Teeter Up
- Shooting Hoops
To access the titles, users will tap on the new Games tab in the Netflix app for Android where the games are listed. After selecting a title, users are directed to the Google Play Store to install the games, as you would any other app. However, to sign in and play the game, a Netflix membership is required.
After being downloaded, the games will be available to play at any time by tapping them within the Netflix app or on the home screen of their Android device.
“While this is just the beginning of a long journey, we’re excited to provide a gaming experience that is differentiated from what is available today – exclusive mobile games with no ads, no in-app payments, included with your Netflix membership,” the company said.
While the initial games have relatively simple graphics and casual gameplay, Netflix says it is in very early stages but plans to eventually create games “for every kind of player”.
“Whether you’re craving a casual game you can start from scratch, or an immersive experience that lets you dig deeper into your favourite stories, we want to begin to build a library of games that offers something for everyone,” wrote Mike Verdu, the company’s head of game development.
Mr Verdu was a major hire for Netflix, having worked at games giant EA and later at Facebook, where he worked on augmented and virtual reality.
Netflix doesn’t have any plans at present to monetize the games directly. Instead, the company sees games as a means of growing and maintaining its existing subscriber base. If you download a game but are not a Netflix member, you’ll be directed to create a Netflix account on the web.
Netflix Mobile gaming is currently available in more than 190 countries, including the United States but works on Android devices only. Netflix said that games would come to iOS devices “in the coming months”.
