Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) is exploring bringing video games to its television service for the first time, according to an app developer who dug into code in the company’s app.
Netflix launched a line of iOS and Android games in 2021, but soon, customers could play games on their televisions. Code within Netflix’s app references games played on TVs, including the use of phones as controllers, according to reports.
“A game on your TV needs a controller to play. Do you want to use this phone as a game controller?” one line reads. The code was discovered by app developer Steve Moser, who shared his findings with Bloomberg News.
Netflix’s lineup of phone and tablet games include Into the Dead 2: Unleashed, Stranger Things 3: The Game and Card Blast. On Apple devices, the games are sold individually on the App Store, but they require a Netflix subscription and can be launched using the Netflix app
The move makes synergistic sense, as Netflix is built into most smart TVs and is available on just about any platform. Video games could supplement Netflix shows and help retain customers if and when the company increases prices again.
Netflix has previously indicated that it wants to bring games to additional devices and is working on a more extensive cloud gaming service, but it hasn’t given a specific timeline, per reports.
A cloud gaming service would allow users to stream games online without having to install them onto their devices. That would make it possible for Netflix to significantly expand its lineup of games, potentially even making it a competitor to the likes of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and services like Apple Arcade.
Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com
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