Game Streaming Gets a New Player with Netflix

Netflix has initiated a game streaming trial, allowing users to play video games straight from their platform without the necessity for bulky downloads or high-end devices.

Currently, this streaming feature is available to a select group of users in Canada and the UK. Users can access these games on particular TV models, Windows PCs, macOS, and mobile devices. Interestingly, popular gaming consoles such as Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s PlayStation 5 are not yet compatible with this feature.

Recently, Netflix launched an app named “Netflix Game Controller” for iOS, hinting at its move into the gaming world. Mike Verdu, Netflix’s VP of Games, stated, “very early in our games journey,” indicating that there’s more to come. For this beta phase, users can enjoy two games: ‘Oxenfree’, a narrative adventure game developed by Night School Studio, which Netflix took over in 2021, and ‘Molehew’s Mining Adventure’, an arcade game centered on gem mining.

In Verdu’s words, “This limited beta is meant to test our game streaming technology and controller, and to improve the member experience over time.” This development is significant for Netflix, which started offering downloadable games just last year. Now, with this streaming feature, users can access a broader range of games. The game operates on a remote server, requiring only a stable internet connection for users to play.

For this trial, supported TV devices include Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart ONN TVs. As per Verdu, the list will expand in due course. However, there’s been no indication about compatibility with video game controllers or consoles. The current design of the iOS controller app suggests that the game range might remain basic until the app undergoes improvements or introduces support for physical controllers.