- Netflix added a built-in gaming platform to its regular subscription service about two years ago. After two years, Netflix began to look for ways to generate revenue from video games.
- A number of suggestions have been discussed, including adding in-app purchases, charging premiums for certain games, or integrating games with ads into the new Netflix ad-supported tier.
- A code was discovered that shows that Netflix, which does not only focus on money-making strategies, is trying to run games on TVs by using smartphones as remote controls.
Netflix added a built-in gaming platform to its regular subscription service about two years ago. After two years, Netflix began to look for ways to generate revenue from video games.
In a report published in the Wall Street Journal, in recent internal meetings at Netflix, discussions began on how to benefit from Netflix Games. A number of suggestions have been discussed, including adding in-app purchases, charging premiums for certain games, or integrating games with ads into the new Netflix ad-supported tier.
Implementing any of the ideas mentioned above would be a major turning point for Netflix Games. Up to this point, Netflix has offered its playable game library, ad-free, to all Netflix memberships at no extra cost. Netflix reported that there are a total of 86 games on the service by the end of 2023, and 90 games are in development. Particularly in 2023, it launched internally developed games such as Oxenfree 2 as well as third-party games such as GTA Trilogy.
However, Netflix does not only focus on new monetization strategies. In March last year, code was discovered within the Netflix app that showed the company was attempting to run games on TVs using smartphones as remotes. The company is also exploring cloud gaming offerings, according to multiple job postings. If implemented, both of these strategies could help expand the user base, which is currently limited to those who want to play games on their phones via the app.
But for now, all these possibilities are limited to discussions and rumors. Netflix’s plan so far for the new year is to release more new games. These include Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit, Sonic Mania Plus, Hades, Game Dev Tycoon., Rebel Moon developed by Super Evil Megacorp, and a game set in the Squid Games universe.
Compiled by: Alp Eren Gümüş
