As Netflix expands its venture into cloud gaming, the range of games offered by the company will also broaden. According to Leanne Loombe, Netflix’s head of external games, “We feel like there is a real big opportunity with cloud to create a certain type of game experience that is tailored to Netflix on TV.”
Netflix’s cloud gaming initiative is still in its early stages, following nearly two years of releasing games exclusively on mobile. Currently, only two titles, including Oxenfree, are available as part of a cloud beta test on TVs and PCs. However, as the service grows to encompass more titles, Netflix emphasizes that the types of games offered will vary based on the platform. This means there will eventually be titles on Netflix specifically designed for television or PC play and not optimized for a smartphone. Although no specific details were disclosed, the focus will likely be on console-style games that may not translate well to a touchscreen.
Changing based on the platform will happen when we start to expand out the cloud service into more regions and bring more games. Those games will be different creatively to the mobile games that we’re making. Sometimes the games we launch on Netflix will be across mobile and TV and PC through the cloud. And sometimes there’ll be a cloud game that’s playable on TV, and it will be really tailored to that experience.”
Leanne Loombe, Netflix’s head of external games
This strategic shift aligns with Netflix’s investments in the blockbuster gaming space, as evident from hiring PC game developers and appointing Joseph Staten, a Bungie veteran, as creative director. While the timeline for releases specifically designed for TV or PC play remains unclear due to the early stage of Netflix’s cloud gaming efforts, the company’s trajectory in the gaming sector is promising.
Despite the emphasis on cloud gaming, Netflix continues to pursue its initiatives in mobile gaming actively. During its Geeked Week event, the company unveiled several titles, including the mobile debut of indie favourite Hades. Although reports suggest that not many Netflix users are currently playing the games included in their subscription, Leanne Loombe notes, “Based on where we’re at, we’re very, very happy with how many members are playing games today.”
She emphasizes that as Netflix scales over time, more members are expected to engage with the gaming offerings, reflecting a positive trajectory.
