Netflix is looking to expand its gaming offering, with reports that you'll soon be able to enjoy its titles on your TV, as well as on the Netflix phone app.
Amidst its less than well-received announcements that Netflix's free password sharing will soon be a thing of the past, with password sharing rules hard to understand, the streamer has also expanded its catalog of services to include games.
On the Netflix mobile app, subscribers won't just find blockbuster video content; they can also access a pretty solid range of free games that they can play on their smartphones. However, playing games on a phone screen is not everyone's cup of tea, especially on budget phones where the screen isn't the biggest or the best quality.
Now, developer Steve Moser has discovered code in Netflix apps that references games played on a TV (via Bloomberg).
In addition, there's also apparently some code that suggests you'll be able to use your phone as a controller to play them, with a line of code saying "A game on your TV needs a controller to play." Do you want to use this phone as a game controller?'
All leaks like this should be taken with a grain of salt – Netflix may just be testing these features and have no intention of releasing them to the public, but Moser has a decent track record with leaks like this. He previously revealed that Netflix's ad-supported tier would not allow you to download shows for offline viewing, which Netflix later confirmed.
Opinion: I'm excited about the improvement in games on Netflix
When I first heard that Netflix was planning to expand its catalog to games, I wasn't thrilled at all. Rather than spend his money on mediocre-at-best mobile games, I would have rather seen him invest in his shows and give my favorite series an extra season than cruelly cancel them in their prime.
But its current library of games is good, even great. In addition to titles tied to hit Netflix shows like Stranger Things and Narcos, it also includes some of the best indie games out there, like Oxenfree, Moonlighter, and Spiritfarer (all of which you should play, especially if you're a Netflix subscriber).
And this latest leak got me really excited about the development of the streaming platform. While I don't mind gaming on my phone when I'm on the go, when I'm at home I prefer to kick back on my couch and watch the action unfold on my big screen TV; so I'm much more likely to play a Netflix game on my TV.
If Netflix can continue to grow its gaming services, both in terms of infrastructure and catalog of titles, it could be a force to be reckoned with in the streaming space, and I can't wait to see where the service takes it next. .
If Netflix Games doesn't convince you to sign up or stick with Netflix, check out the other best streaming services.