Netflix has been on the cutting edge of streaming technology since its inception, and it looks like it may be ready to take on video game streaming. As reported by TechCrunch, Netflix VP of Gaming, Mike Verdu stated that Netflix was “seriously exploring a cloud gaming offering.” With Google’s Stadia service announcing it would be shutting down, it appears that a Netflix cloud gaming service might soon be on the horizon.
The Pros and Cons of Netflix’s Cloud Gaming Service
While details are scarce at the moment, it’s clear that Netflix is taking this seriously and is planning to offer a comprehensive gaming experience to its subscribers. With its vast catalog of movies and TV shows, along with its original content and IP, Netflix has the potential to become a major player in the gaming industry.
There are pros and cons to Netflix’s cloud gaming service. The pros include that Netflix is a well-established brand with a large customer base and that the service would be much cheaper than buying a console.
The cons are that Netflix would have to partner with game developers to get popular titles and that the gaming experience quality would depend on a good internet connection.
When speaking on Google Stadia Verdu states,
“Stadia was a technical success. It was fun to play games on Stadia… It had some issues with the business model, sure.”
Mike Verdu, VP of Games at Netflix
Overall, it remains to be seen whether Netflix’s cloud gaming service will be able to make waves in the industry; or will go by way of Stadia.
Netflix is Also Opening Another Gaming Studio
With so many different IPs to choose from, the potential for Netflix to make its own games is huge. With this in mind, the company has opened up its own gaming studio in Southern California with plans to release games made just for its own expanded game streaming service.
Couple this with the recent announcement of an internal games studio based in Helsinki, Finland–it’s clear that Netflix is making substantial moves into the gaming market.
With this in mind, gamers will be able to potentially look forward to games based on their favorite series. It will be exciting to see what Netflix can bring to the table with this expanded service, although gamers can currently see the games Netflix has to offer on their mobile device.
For more gaming news articles, see our News Section.
