In an effort to expand its gaming section, Netflix has launched a new app that allows subscribers to play games on their TVs. Dubbed the “Netflix Game Controller,” the app is essentially a touchscreen gamepad with an analog stick for movement and a set of action buttons on the right. The app is now available as a free download in the Apple App Store, though the streamer appears to have inadvertently released it early. The platform doesn’t officially announce its use case or Android version, and the product description just says it’s “coming soon.”
according to Gizmodo, the app does nothing except ask the user to choose a game. There are no details on connectivity either, but I’m assuming it will be via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.in a interviewMike Verdu, Netflix’s vice president of gaming, confirmed that the team is exploring “cloud gaming offerings,” though the plan isn’t to compete with the big leagues like PlayStation or Xbox, but simply to provide “added value” to subscribers. It’s unclear if the game will run natively on the TV and use the phone only as a controller, or if anything on the phone’s screen will be synced and streamed to the big screen. Similar to the Steam Link app but instead, it mirrors the active Steam window on your PC or laptop to your mobile device with low latency.
In any case, this is an advantage for Netflix subscribers, who will continue to get exclusive access to mobile games for the foreseeable future, although you still can’t share passwords with friends or family members who live elsewhere. Back in March, the streamer announced plans to launch 40 new games in addition to its existing catalog of IPs, in addition to working with external partners such as Ubisoft and Super Evil Megacorp. We recently saw Raj: Ancient Epic ported to mobile, followed by Queen’s Gambit Chess, a game based on the original limited series starring Anya Taylor-Joy. Ubisoft partners have already ported Mighty Quest: Rogue Palace to mobile devices, and there are also plans for an Assassin’s Creed game.
As to whether these video games will be considered value-added services, we’ll find out in time, as many people seem to be unhappy with Netflix’s recent crackdown on password sharing. Affected secondary account holders will now be required to enter verification codes every 31 days, and their IPs will be tracked as a way to log them out of their accounts. With this update, the company added 6 million new members in its second-quarter earnings, bringing the total number of subscribers to 238 million. Earlier this year, Netflix also forayed into the food and beverage business with an exclusive restaurant in Los Angeles that serves food featured in some of its cooking shows.
Currently, there’s no word on when Netflix plans to bring its catalog of games to TV. The Netflix Game Controller app is now available for download on iOS.
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