Come to think of it, it was slightly inevitable. When a company grows to be a behemoth in the entertainment space, it will want more of the pie for itself in time. And so it is with Netflix, with industry insiders abuzz with the news that Netflix is eyeing the gaming industry with an Apple Arcade like service.
The official word
A Netflix spokesperson issued the following statement: “Our members appreciate the diversity and quality of our material,” according to the statement. Netflix says it’s eager to expand its digital entertainment offerings. The company’s digital services have also been extended.
Netflix may be forming a new gaming division. According to reports, the company is looking to recruit an executive to oversee a video game expansion. Reuters indicates that there is no official work listing, but it won’t be Netflix’s first foray into gaming, given the Stranger Things video game crossovers and the platform’s plethora of choose-your-own-adventure films (Black Mirror, anyone?).
Swimming upstream
If the article is accurate, it reveals Netflix’s stance to be very different. For the most part, Netflix seems to maintain a safe distance from game production. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has acknowledged the appeal of big games like Fortnite.
According to reports, Netflix has debated selling a game pack similar to Apple Arcade. Netflix has paid attention to the efficiency of its customers’ internet connections. Netflix has recently begun offering mobile-only subscription plans to ensure that viewers have convenient (and inexpensive) access to low-resolution content on a small screen. Gaming would only make home internet more challenging, while rising internet speeds and external server hosting for game streams (such as Google Stadia) can provide a solution. According to the paper, the games will not include ads, and it is unlikely that they will release long-haul open-world games. We don’t know whether Netflix would be looking to publish its games based on existing Netflix IP.
Owning it
Producing original content has been a significant part of Netflix’s strategy in recent years. As a result, it would have to pay fewer licence fees to other studios. If Netflix decides to expand its gaming offerings, it will create its in-house studio. Amazon is well-known for struggling to get the gaming business in order over the years. Producing original content has been a significant part of Netflix’s strategy in recent years. As a result, it would have to pay fewer licence fees to other studios. If Netflix decides to expand its gaming offerings, it will create its in-house studio. Amazon is well-known for struggling to get the gaming business in order over the years, but it will truly be game on if Netflix decides to enter this virtual arena.
