Update: A Netflix spokesperson sent this statement after we broke the story below. “Our members appreciate the variety and quality of our content. That's why we've continually expanded our offering, from series to documentaries, movies, local language originals, and reality shows. Members also like to engage more directly with the stories they love, through interactive shows like Bandersnatch and You v. Wild, or games based on Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel and To All the Boys. That's why we're excited to do more with interactive entertainment. "
Original story: Netflix may be building a new gaming division, if the latest reports are anything to go by. The Information reported that "Netflix is looking to hire an executive to oversee an expansion into video games, a sign it is stepping up its efforts to expand beyond traditional filmed entertainment, according to people familiar with the situation." (The report is trapped behind a fairly high paywall, just to warn you, though Reuters has condensed it.) There's no official job listing for this position (at least not that we've detected), but the report's authors say a number of gaming industry executives have been approached about a possible position with the company. This won't be Netflix's first foray into gaming, with crossovers found in the video game Stranger Things, or even the number of movies choosing their own platforming adventure, like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, or even the ending. From the unwavering Kimmy Schmidt. But it looks like Netflix may have even bigger things in store.
Swim upstream
If the report is true, it shows a somewhat different stance from Netflix, which seemed to keep a respectful distance from game development for the most part, content to adapt blockbuster game franchises on flagship series like The Witcher, or titles based on in Tomb Raider or even Resident Evil. CEO Reed Hastings acknowledged the appeal of big games like Fortnite, acknowledging that the battle royale shooter is a bigger competitor for user time than any of the other big streaming TV services: “We're in. Competing with (and losing) Fornite more than HBO. " However, in 2019, Hastings spoke to the New York Times Dealbook and made it clear that despite increased interest in game streaming from many of the major players in the worlds of technology and entertainment (Google Stadia, Project xCloud), Netflix wasn't planning on jumping in. “We're really focused on making amazing, unscripted shows and movies,” Hastings said, putting to rest the idea of Netflix building a standalone platform just for streaming games. We're not sure if Netflix would look to release its own games based on the existing Netflix IP or offer some kind of platform for third-party titles.The report states that "one of the options the company has looked at is to offer a bundle of games" in the vein of Apple Arcade. The games will apparently be ad-free, the report says. Netflix is the master of the casual frenzy, and we don't expect to see it release open-world games anytime soon, as such. Downloadable games are more plausible, in the same way that Netflix subscribers can download episodes for offline viewing, but we'd be surprised if game streaming wasn't an integral part of Netflix's strategy going forward: streaming is the technology Netflix is built on, after all. One issue Netflix has been aware of is the quality of users' Internet connections: it offers a basic, low-resolution plan that allows viewers to view its content without the need for a high-speed fiber optic connection, while More recently, I've seen Netflix bring the mobile. -Only streaming plans to ensure subscribers have easy (and cheap) access to low-resolution content on a small screen. Gaming will only be more demanding on the internet at home, though increasing connection speeds and hosting external servers for game streams (such as with Google Stadia) may provide a solution here.
Own
Much of Netflix's streaming strategy in recent years has been to produce its own content, making sure it doesn't have to pay as many licensing fees to other studios and can count on more and more Netflix-created content. If Netflix is looking to delve into gaming, we may see it set up its own in-house studio, though the failure of other players in this area should perhaps cause it to pause. Amazon has spent years screwing up its gaming division, with several projects cancelled, including the team shooter Crucible (which only made it through Early Access) and a very troubled MMO/colonial called New World. Games may be where the money is, but Netflix would do well to cede to some established developers if it's looking to bring gaming to your home screen.