Netflix has been cautiously venturing into the gaming realm, adding an extra layer to its subscription service with Netflix Games.
Recent discussions, highlighted in a Wall Street Journal report, shed light on the streaming giant’s quest to transform its gaming venture into a profitable segment.
Before 2023 wrapped up, Netflix had 86 games on its platform, offering an ad-free gaming experience at no additional cost for its members.
Despite this, engagement from Netflix’s subscriber base has been less than stellar. A year after launch, less than 1% of subscribers were playing games on Netflix, and this figure hasn’t seen much improvement, even with the expanding game library.
The company, however, hasn’t held back on investing in its gaming business, shelling out around $1 billion, acquiring studios like Night School Studio, and collaborating with renowned developers.
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Now, Netflix is exploring ways to monetize its gaming platform. Options on the table include introducing in-app purchases, charging extra for specific games, or even embedding games with ads in a new ad-supported tier.
Beyond direct monetization, Netflix is also getting creative to attract gamers. Clues found within the Netflix app code suggest experiments with TV gaming, using smartphones as controllers. Cloud gaming is also on the radar, hinted at by recent job listings.
While these strategies are still in the discussion phase, Netflix’s immediate plan for the new year includes launching exciting new games like Sonic Mania Plus, Hades, Game Dev Tycoon, and a title set in the Squid Game universe.
The gaming landscape for Netflix is evolving, but how will these new strategies redefine your gaming experience?
