Did you know that Netflix started delivering DVDs? Crazy, right? Of course, then it became one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world. However, the company wants to achieve something new: step into the video games world.
For many people this may sound weird, mostly for those who are not used to video games. But Netflix wants playing to be as easy as watching a movie or a series. So, let’s see how the company is planning on doing this.
Your tv can become a games console
Netflix organized an event at his Hollywood headquarters where many people were invited to try its new games, which are not complicated and don’t require any experience. These games include tv versions of the classics such as: Pictionary, Tetris, and also games thought to play in groups with your family or friends.
You might be wondering how these games are played, well you need your smartphone as the controller. The great thing is that you don’t need to buy any games console, no special controller, nor install any difficult stuff. If you know how to use your tv and your smartphone, you can play with no trouble.
Why Netflix wants to enter the video games world
Greg Peters, one of the CEOs of Netflix, said that the company is “serious” about gaming. The company has offered games before, but they were mostly separate apps that users had to download on their phone. Many people never noticed them. Now Netflix wants to change that by making games appear directly on your TV menu, right next to movies and series.
Peters stated that Netflix’s game efforts in the past were “a B-minus,” meaning not great, not terrible. But now, the company wants to focus on social gaming, which means games that people can play together easily, especially in groups.
Alain Tascan, the head of Netflix’s gaming division, also made something very clear: they are not trying to compete with PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo. They want to create a totally different type of gaming experience.
Not a new idea
Technology experts explain that this idea is not completely new. A few years ago, there already were games like Jackbox Party Pack and people could play it on tv and use their smartphones as the controller. However, those games weren’t very known among the general public. Then, what’s the difference?
Netflix has millions and millions of users around the world, which means that the company can take that idea and make it something bigger, more accessible and more popular; even for people who have never played a video game in their entire lives.
What’s more, Netflix has something other companies don’t:popular series and movies that can become video games. This is why it started with programs like: Peppa Pig, the Queen’s Gambit, and Love Is Blind.
New games coming up next
The new games collection Netflix has just launched include titles such as:
- LEGO Party
- Party Crashers
- Boggle Party
- Pictionary
- Tetris Time Warp
- Civilization VI.
If you think these are not that many games, don’t worry because you could play more games very soon. For example:
- A mobile version of Red Dead Redemption
- The Undead Nightmare expansion
- Netflix Puzzled, a hub with sudoku, crosswords, and word searches based on Netflix shows
This is just the beginning…
This video game idea started years ago when Netflix launched a game inspired by Stranger Things, and then the interactive episode of Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (here you could decide what was going to happen). According to Netflix, this is just the beginning. Do you think this is a good idea?