Netflix Launches Game Controller App for TV Gaming Experience

Netflix released a new app called "Netflix Game Controller," which will soon enable users to play games on their television screens, indicating the company's entry into the cloud gaming market. By connecting their smartphones to their TVs, this tool allows users to use their smartphones as controllers to play games made accessible via Netflix.

Although the Netflix Game Controller is now available on the App Store, Netflix Games has yet to unveil how it can be converted for the large screen and when this will happen. Intriguingly, the description says it is "Coming soon to Netflix." As of the present reporting, the firm still needs to release further information on its Netflix Game Controller app objectives and timeline.

However, the release of the Netflix Game Controller app is not totally surprising since Netflix has already said it wants to diversify from the mobile gaming industry. In October 2022, Netflix's vice president of gaming, Mike Verdu, said that the business was looking into the cloud gaming market, according to TechCrunch.

Netflix Boosting Its Cloud Gaming Service

Notably, Netflix was preparing to open a new gaming studio in Southern California under the direction of Chacko Sonny, a former executive producer at Blizzard Entertainment who had contributed to "Overwatch."

Netflix wanted to avoid directly competing with industry behemoths like PlayStation or Xbox, Verdu underlined. Instead, he said they were not attempting to replace consoles and instead positioned the initiative as a value-add. He referred to the project as having a "completely different business model," with a primary goal of offering a fluid and organic method to play games across numerous platforms.

Leanne Loombe, Netflix's vice president of external games, reaffirmed the company's plans for cloud gaming as it continues to increase its game selection. She emphasized the possibility of simple gaming access on any screen, highlighting Netflix's goal of enabling users to play games on all connected devices, including TVs.

In addition, Netflix said that it would release 40 games this year, with 16 created in-house and another 70 created in partnership with third parties. The streaming juggernaut has published over 50 games since expanding into the gaming market in November 2021. per OnMSFT.

Positive Outlook

Despite the failure of several cloud gaming services, Netflix is confident that the problems are with the business models rather than the technology. Verdu cited Google's Stadia in particular, claiming that although the games were fun, the revenue model was unsustainable. Netflix, in contrast, includes free games under its streaming membership plan.

According to What's on Netflix, The Verge hinted at the impending Netflix Game Controller app earlier this year when they claimed that Netflix was looking into the prospect of utilizing iPhones as controllers for TV games. However, many concerns about the app's operation still need to be answered, including worries about compatibility, device specifications, streaming possibilities, and support for different TV and console makers.

While Netflix has lessened its emphasis on gaming in recent months in favor of tackling password-sharing issues, the platform is still in a solid position to draw on its sizable user base for its cloud gaming service.