Netflix has embarked on its first-ever public tests of cloud-streamed games, marking a leap in its gaming endeavors.
Starting this week, some Netflix subscribers in Canada and the UK will have the opportunity to try out a selection of games that can be streamed directly to their TVs, connected TV devices, and web browsers on Netflix.com.
This initial step, as described by Mike Verdu, Netflix’s VP of games, is being referred to as a “limited beta test” for a small group of members, indicating that not all subscribers in these regions will have access right away. However, despite the small scale of this launch, it has the potential to reshape Netflix’s gaming aspirations in a big way.
Netflix’s journey into gaming commenced by offering mobile games as a perk for subscribers back in November 2021. These games were initially available only on iOS and Android platforms. By extending game availability to TVs and web browsers through cloud streaming.
This is a huge step as if it succeeds well then Netflix might look to develop, License or takeover some big games. Also, if people are able to play big games on Netflix through cloud then it’ll be a game changer as even those people will purchase Netflix who are less interested in the original films or series.
At present, Netflix is offering two games as part of this venture: “Oxenfree,” and an all-new game called “Molehew’s Mining Adventure.”