Netflix to focus on mobile games initially, names Epic Games among its competitors
During an earnings interview with investors, Netflix has shared more details about its gaming ambitions. The company will add video games (mostly mobile) to its streaming service at no additional price.
Netflix shared the news after releasing its financial report for the second quarter (ended June 30). Here’s what the company said about its gaming expansion:
- For Netflix, games are just another content category to expand its business, similar to its previous efforts towards producing original films and TV series;
- “Games will be included in members’ Netflix subscription at no additional cost similar to films and series,” the statement reads, which means that the company doesn’t plan to raise its subscription cost so far;
- Games for mobile devices will become Netflix’s initial focus. As for now, the company is in the early stages of its video games expansion, planning to build a new strategy on its previous efforts around interactive entertainment. Netflix cites Black Mirror Bandersnatch and Stranger Things-based games as examples;
- The company will produce games based on its numerous IPs and will also create new original projects and license other titles;
- According to Netflix, it is now competing for screen time with many companies, including YouTube, TikTok, and Epic Games.
Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported on Netflix’s plans to enter the games industry. Former EA, Zynga, and Facebook executive Mike Verdu will lead the division, with the first games coming to the platform in 2022.
It’s also worth noting that Netflix has attracted only 1.54 million new subscribers during the second quarter, which is the lowest number in years. So it makes sense that the company is now looking for new opportunities to increase its user base and expand its business.
