For the future of Netflix, the streaming platform is not hiding its ambitions to chase the video game industry. While the pursuit is not clear if the firm will tackle AAA projects to combat against major publishers and platform holders, it is evident that the company plans to integrate it as a free perk for the service. So far, select countries in Europe already experience this nudge from Netflix.
This week, the Android Netflix app received a new update which includes a new ‘Games’ tab offering a selection of titles to install in Poland, Italy, and Spain. Those titles are: Strangers Things: 1984, Stranger Things 3, Shooting Hoops, Teeter Up and Card Blast. Of course, this list is anticipated to grow as the firm delivers more mobile games to the service in due time.
Additionally, this appears now expands to outright acquisitions for Netflix. In a new press release from developer Night School Studio, Netflix is buying up the California game studio to join Netflix.
Night School wants to stretch our narrative and design aspirations across distinctive, original games with heart. Netflix gives film, TV, and now game makers an unprecedented canvas to create and deliver excellent entertainment to millions of people. Our explorations in narrative gameplay and Netflix’s track record of supporting diverse storytellers was such a natural pairing. It felt like both teams came to this conclusion instinctively.
Of course, it’s a surreal honor to be the first games studio to join Netflix! Not only do we get to keep doing what we do, how we like to do it, but we get a front-row seat on the biggest entertainment platform in the world. The Netflix team has shown the utmost care for protecting our studio culture and creative vision. We’ll keep making OXENFREE II. We’ll keep cooking up new game worlds.
“We’re inspired by their bold mission to set a new bar for storytelling in games. Their commitment to artistic excellence and proven track record make them invaluable partners as we build out the creative capabilities and library of Netflix games together,” Mike Verdue, Netflix Game Development Vice President shares.
“We’ll continue working with developers around the world and hiring the best talent in the industry to deliver a great collection of exclusive games designed for every kind of gamer and any level of play. Like our shows and films, these games will all be included as part of your Netflix membership — all with no ads and no in-app purchases.”
The advancement for Night School Studio while surprising at first glance is also a smart move from Netflix. Although working on its own unique IPs already with Oxenfree and Afterparty, the developer also worked with Telltale Games to ship an episodic Mr. Robot game for mobile platforms years before. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you surprised by the announcement?
Source: Night School Studio, Netflix
