Netflix and video games became huge topics of conversation because of variety of reports out of outlets like the knowledge and Bloomberg. Netflix has long alleged to enter the computer game space and to some extent, are already there. What could Netflix and gaming appear as if going forward? Here’s what we all know and what we will speculate going forward.

Before we dive into what the present plans are or might be , let’s take a glance back at efforts so far .

Netflix’s History in Video Games
Before we get into Netflix’s computer game attempts after they began creating content back in 2013, we wanted to only mention that Netflix’s Qwikster service wont to deliver video games. Netflix DVD still exists in fact but they not ship video games.

What Video Games Have Netflix Released Thus Far?
Most of the large solo games Netflix has released so far have come from BonusXP which operates out of Allen in Texas. They released Stranger Things 3: the sport and therefore the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics.

Beyond that, the primary documented Netflix game involved a mobile runner game that included Polo , Stranger Things, Narcos and Orange is that the New Black.

They’re currently performing on a “Next-gen AAA original IP PC/Console Game”. That seems like they’re moving faraway from adapting Netflix IP.

Most of the gaming content Netflix has been involved so far are with crossovers with established games. That mostly is for Stranger Things and Money Heist content but has been slowly growing over time. Disney and Warner Brothers also cross over with many established games like both teaming up with Epic Games’s Fortnite with crossovers.

Netflix at E3 2019
For those unaware, E3 is that the Electronic Entertainment Expo where industry and fans all congregate (although less so over recent years) to ascertain the newest video games in action.

In 2019, Netflix held a panel watching their computer game slate and up to date partnerships. On the panel included Chris Lee (more on Chris during a second), Stephanie Wise who works at The Henson Company (there to market the new BonusXP The Dark Crystal game), Paul Dichter who writes on Stranger Things and Dave Pottinger who is president for BonusXP.

Asked about Netflix’s intention in video games some time past , Chris Lee said: “We’ve been performing on Original content for a few time and that we see how passionate the fans are” adding “what we’re trying to find is opportunities to increase the universe of those shows and these films into other mediums. To me, it had been really obvious to undertake to try to to that into video games.”

Going further, he added, “The idea is to require our original series and films and find then find a game developer from the industry who is simply as hooked in to that content and work closely along side them to bring this stuff in an authentic thanks to gamers”.

Netflix E3 2019 conference

Before we advance , a fast background on Christopher Lee who has so far drive the computer game efforts at Netflix and holds the title of head of interactive games at Netflix. He has previously worked at both Microsoft and Electronic Arts. He’s been at Netflix since May 2016 although transitioned to his new role in August 2018.

Interactive titles on Netflix
Beyond just games within the traditional sense, Netflix’s platform is also host to choose-your-own-adventure style content which has very slowly been growing in recent years.

As of July 2021, there are 14 interactive specials on Netflix with the overwhelming majority aimed toward younger generations with a couple of standout highlights including Black Mirror: Bandersnatch which was released in December 2018.

What’s happening with Netflix and Gaming in 2021
Now let’s take a glance at the recent developments which seem to suggest Netflix goes to aggressively push into the space far more than it’s done so so far .

Back in late May 2021, the knowledge reported that Netflix is seeking a replacement executive to expand its computer game efforts. it had been then in mid-July 2021 (roughly one week before Netflix’s Q2 earning results) when Bloomberg reported that Mike Verdue who has worked on Facebook’s Oculus efforts and held served as senior vice chairman at EA had joined Netflix as vice chairman of Game Development.

According to Bloomberg, “the idea is to supply video games on Netflix’s streaming platform within subsequent year”.

As to what form this may eventually take is anyone’s guess immediately .

We do know that Bridgerton is confirmed to be one among the shows to be adapted into a computer game . That news came as Shonda Rhimes recently expanded her Netflix deal where a Bridgerton game was mentioned.

Most industry analysts seem to conclude that they’re getting to be mobile games initially.

Beyond mobile gaming, Netflix will face quite few challenges getting into other sectors within the gaming space.

If Netflix is gunning to make an indoor in-house game studio, they’ve got a troublesome mountain to climb. Google and Amazon have both faced failures within the space with Stadia shutting down its game studio before shipping anything and Amazon having faced many struggles with it even having to tug its “boring” game from stores.

The best bet here is to outsource to other studios. we all know Netflix is increasingly on the brink of Ubisoft with IP from their library headed in Netflix’s direction, could it move within the other direction?

VR and AR experiences would require external hardware which presents a barrier to entry. Top-tier VR sets cost many dollars whereas mobile VR remains a touch clunky. Beyond that, VR gaming as an entire seems to be driven largely by indies and Valve (who releases its own headset) but it’s still argued the technology is on the increase .

If you’re talking about full-fledged games either streamed doing so on a TV remote won’t be ideal meaning that there are additional hardware barriers here too.

Rich Greenfield told CNBC that each one the media companies are ultimately competing for time and says that gaming has dwarfed video in recent years in terms of usage. He says that Netflix’s enter gaming may be a “natural progression”.

Greenfield believes that Netflix will first begin with mobile games and doesn’t envision Netflix creating subsequent grand larceny Auto anytime soon.

Others are more critical about Netflix’s recent announcements within the computer game space including Hedgeye Communications Andrew Freedman who on Twitter says this might be pointing towards sub numbers trending down.