Netflix to make its games playable on more devices

Netflix made the announcement that it would start testing its games on additional platforms, including TVs and desktops in addition to mobile phones, where they currently function.

Netflix make games playable: Starting today, a “limited number” of Netflix users in Canada and the U.K. will have the chance to test games on their TVs. In the following weeks, this testing will expand to encompass PCs and Mac machines via supported browsers on Netflix.com.

These testing will first feature two games, including the arcade game Molehew’s Mining Adventure and “Oxenfree” from Night School Studio, the first games studio the streamer bought in 2021.

Games on TVs will be playable through select products from Netflix’s original partners, which include Samsung Smart TVs, LG TVs, Roku devices and TVs, Chromecast with Google TV, Amazon Fire TV streaming media players, and Walmart ONN. Apple TV, which has its own TV-based gaming strategy through apps from its App Store, is noticeably absent.

While claiming that more devices will eventually be supported, Netflix did not specify which ones.

“Netflix revealed these tests after releasing an iPhone game controller app last week, which enables playing games on the TV.” The launch gave the impression that testing would start shortly.

In a statement released today, Netflix reaffirms this and says that it is now introducing a controller “that we already have in our hands most of the day — our phones.”

It appears that the controller app connects to the game by scanning a QR code presented on the Netflix app on the TV.

Netflix Expands into Cloud Gaming with Beta Testing and Ambitious Plans

In the meantime, players will use a keyboard and mouse to play games on PCs and Macs.

Netflix claims that during the restricted beta, it will test its game-streaming technology and controller and try to enhance the user experience.

According to Netflix VP of Games Mike Verdu, “we hope to make games even easier to play for our members around the world by making games available on more devices.” “Even though we’re only getting started with games, we’re eager to make members happy. As we move forward, we anticipate receiving input from our beta testers and sharing additional information, the executive said.

When Verdu informed the audience at our TechCrunch Disrupt event that Netflix was looking into such a product, the streamer had hinted last autumn that it intended to expand into cloud gaming. The business plans to establish a new gaming studio in Southern California, with Chacko Sonny, a former executive producer for Overwatch at Blizzard Entertainment, taking the lead.

Verdu stated at the time that Netflix did not consider itself as a direct rival to PlayStation on Xbox.

“The business concept is very different. The goal, he said, is for it to eventually just become a very natural way to play games wherever you are.

“This year, the streamer intends to release a total of 40 games, with in-house studios working on 16 games, and partners collaborating on the development of 70 more games.” Since November 2021, when Netflix started providing games, they have made 70 titles available on mobile.