Netflix Trials Cloud Gaming for Subscribers
Netflix has initiated its first public tests of cloud-streamed games, a significant move in its gaming expansion. The beta test is accessible to subscribers in Canada and the UK, allowing them to play Netflix games on select TVs, connected TV devices, and web browsers.
Expanding Gaming Horizon
This test builds on the company’s mobile gaming launch last year, with the potential to bring games to more platforms and compete for gaming time on various devices. The trial features two games: the original “Oxenfree” by Night School Studio (now a part of Netflix) and a new title called “Molehew’s Mining Adventure,” described as a “gem-mining arcade game.”
Accessible and Expanding
Players use their smartphones as controllers, either through the Netflix app on Android or a dedicated controller app on iOS. The trial is accessible on devices like Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart Onn. Mike Verdu, Netflix Vice President of Games, highlighted that this is just the beginning, with plans to add more compatible devices over time. While potential streaming challenges exist, Netflix’s approach aligns with Microsoft’s value-driven strategy for cloud gaming. This expansion underscores Netflix’s intention to leverage its streaming expertise and offer diverse gaming experiences to subscribers, alongside its existing collection of 70 mobile games.
