Netflix is currently working on a cloud gaming service that will allow its growing game collection to be played more easily and on a broader range of devices. Leanne Loombe, Netflix’s VP of external games, confirmed that work on the project is currently “underway” during a press conference.
This comes after Netflix’s VP of games, Mike Verdu, stated in October that the company was “seriously exploring” a cloud gaming service. Loombe stated during the briefing:
“We are very early in that side of our journey. We do believe that cloud gaming will enable us to provide that easy access to games on any screen and be frictionless and provide the accessibility into gaming experiences.”
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Loombe emphasised that Netflix is proceeding with caution in the development of the service, most likely to avoid a disaster on the scale of Google Stadia.
These mobile games are currently available through the Netflix app, but in order to play them, users must first download them from the App Store or Google Play, which is not as convenient as starting a show with a tap within the app.
Allowing users to play Netflix games within the app may entice more people to try them, rather than the small number who have done so thus far.
However, Loombe believes that the specifics of how Netflix’s mobile games currently work will be unknown for the foreseeable future. This is not surprising given that Netflix’s cloud gaming efforts appear to be in their early stages, and they will almost certainly require Apple to relax its stringent restrictions on cloud gaming apps before they can offer a comprehensive cloud gaming service.
However, it appears that the company is still committed to using cloud gaming to make their titles more accessible for mobile and other platforms.
Loombe said:
“As you can imagine, we do want Netflix games to be playable on every Netflix device that you have. How the mobile app stores and the streaming comes together is something that we are continuing to work out and plan for.”
Netflix’s game library currently has 55 titles, including the recently added Valiant Hearts: Coming Home and the hauntingly dystopian Highwater, but it plans to add up to 40 more in 2023.
Some of these upcoming titles have been revealed, including Terra Nil, a reverse city-builder game set to be released on March 28th, and Paper Trail, a puzzle-solving game that involves folding parts of the world.
The company has collaborated with Ubisoft to develop three exclusive games, the second of which, Mighty Quest: Rogue Palace, will be released on April 18th. This roguelite, set in the same universe as The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot, features a new formula, a more intricate storyline, and improved gameplay.
Furthermore, there will be many more as 2023 advances.
