Netflix bet big on games, launching 40 new titles on iOS and Android in 2023

As one of the world’s largest streaming services, Netflix is ​​known for its vast catalog of original and licensed movie and TV series content. However, many may not be aware that Netflix is ​​also a subscription game service for mobile games from November 2021. Available on iOS and Android. For 2023, Netflix is ​​betting big on its gaming service, with major expansion plans to build on its existing catalog, and working with developers like Ubisoft and Super Evil Megacorp to bring 40 new titles to the service .

New Releases on Netflix Games in 2023 and Beyond

The global streaming platform recently announced that it plans to bring 40 new games to its platform in 2023. So far, the service has launched 55 games since November 2021, and has a total of 70 games in development with external partners. Notable among these are Terra Nil, a reverse city-builder, which will launch on March 28, and Mighty Quest: Rogue Palace from Ubisoft, which will release on April 18. Assassin’s Creed fans can also look forward to a mobile game from the franchise. Coming soon to Netflix Games.

Monument Valley 1 and 2 are confirmed to be coming to Netflix Games in 2024

With some of Netflix’s earlier titles such as Too Hot to Handle: Love is a Game and Narcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited being based on existing Netflix titles, many of the upcoming games are not connected in any way to the movies or TV shows on the stream. platform. Netflix hopes to establish itself as a major game publisher for mobile platforms, and according to Leanne Lombe, vice president of external games at Netflix, is really positioning itself to use its games as an extension of its existing streaming content. Not limiting.

Notably, the game service also plans to bring existing premium titles under its subscription banner. Netflix is ​​working with USTwo Games to bring Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 to its service in 2024. All of this will pit Netflix against established players in the gaming subscription space like Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass, but with the notable advantage of being available on both iOS and Android.

How does Netflix Games work?

Netflix Games are available as regular apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and are installed on your smartphone or tablet, independent of the Netflix app. That said, you can use the Netflix app on iOS or Android to search for games, and you’ll be redirected to the App Marketplace to download the app. As of now, the Netflix app doesn’t let you play any games within it, and is only used to help you find titles of interest.

While the game apps themselves are free to download, you need an active Netflix subscription to be able to actually access and play the games. If you’re logged into the Netflix app on the same device, the process is seamless, with the game operating as normal using your existing credentials.

Importantly, Netflix Games features premium games that are fully unlocked and can be played for free within the subscription service; None of the games have in-app purchases that exceed the actual cost of a Netflix subscription, similar to how Apple and Google operate their subscription-based gaming services.

For now, Netflix Games are limited to mobile platforms. However, the company has confirmed that it is working on its own cloud gaming service, which could bring its games to many more devices beyond smartphones and tablets. That’s still some time away, and Netflix has confirmed that its immediate plans for gaming will remain focused on mobile platforms.