Netflix Joins the Gaming Race with Cloud Streaming in the United States

have hinted at the potential licensing of a game from the renowned Grand Theft Auto series

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According to Mike Verdu, Netflix's VP of Games, the company doesn't envision this gaming service as a replacement to traditional gaming consoles. Instead, Verdu sees it as an additional value, offering users a seamless way to play games irrespective of their location. This gaming model is distinctly different, with the games being made available for free to subscribers. Furthermore, many of these games have a close tie-in with Netflix's most popular shows.

This places Netflix in direct competition with other established cloud gaming services such as Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now, PlayStation Plus, and Amazon Luna. However, Netflix sets itself apart by intertwining its gaming content with its original shows. Already, games related to its shows such as Love Is Blind, The Queen's Gambit, Stranger Things, Narcos, and Nailed It!, have made their debut. Additionally, Netflix has acquired studios like Boss Fight Entertainment, Night School Studio, and Finland's Next Games, even establishing an internal game studios to bolster its gaming ambitions.

While Netflix's focus began primarily on mobile, it was evident that this was only the beginning. The transition to cloud gaming and creating games based on its intellectual property seems to be the company's next significant leap. But, is it all for naught? With apps like TikTok and YouTube dominating users' screen time - and YouTube recently surpassing Netflix as a preferred video source among U.S. teens - the challenge is evident.

Despite these challenges, Netflix remains undeterred. The company's primary goal with this expansion into gaming is to make these games easily accessible to members worldwide. The streamer has highlighted for the current test: Oxenfree and Molehew's Mining Adventure. Subscribers can play these on a wide selection of devices, including Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Players, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Roku devices, and others. As this trial extends to the U.S., Netflix is eager to gather feedback and refine the gaming experience for its users.

The recent expansion to the U.S., arguably Netflix's most substantial market, marks a crucial phase in its journey. This is an untimely move as the company faces multiple challenges, from ongoing strikes that affected production in the US to considerations of potential revenue enhancement strategies. Amidst these challenges, the bright spot remains - Netflix Games, with its unique titles and ambitious plans.