Video game streaming is touted as the future of gaming—and it is understandably so. It was part of the reasons why Microsoft’s Activision takeover deal lingered for months. Netflix seems to have seen huge potential in video game streaming and is ready to roll the dice.
From 15 August 2023, some Netflix users in the United Kingdom and Canada will have access to two of Netflix’s streaming video games. The limited test will allow the users to stream video games directly to supported TV models, mobile devices, Windows PCs, and macOS PCs.
“Our goal has always been to have a game for everyone, and we are working hard to meet members where they are with an accessible, smooth, and ubiquitous service,” Mike Verdu, Netflix VP of Games wrote in a blog post on 14 August 2023. “Today, we’re taking the first step in making games playable on every device where our members enjoy Netflix—TVs, computers, and mobile”.
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Hitherto, gamers had to own a powerful gaming machine or upgrade their gaming consoles after a few years. However, with video game streaming, all those bottlenecks would be eliminated. Gamers will no longer need powerful PCs to play AAA games. All they need is a strong internet connection.
Netflix first added mobile games to its app in 2021. Since then, the streaming giant has worked hard to deliver “a game for everyone”. The latest test is the next phase of that development which is geared toward making video games ubiquitous.
“We are rolling out a limited beta test to a small number of members in Canada and the UK on select TVs starting today, and on PCs and Macs through Netflix.com on supported browsers in the next few weeks.”
Mike Verdu, VP of Netflix Games
Identities of the two games used in the video game streaming test
Netflix revealed the identities of the two games that will be available for the video game streaming service test. The first of the two games that will be used to test Netflix’s video game streaming service is Oxenfree which was developed by Night School Studio—a Netflix Game Studio.
The other game that will be used to test Netflix’s video game streaming service is Molehew’s Mining Adventure, an arcade game where players mine gems. Apparently, the iOS Netflix Game Controller App that was unveiled a few days ago will be the controller that players will use to play streamed games on their TVs. Android users can access the controller through their Netflix app. Those playing with Macs and PCs can use their mouse and keyboard.
“This limited beta is meant to test our video game streaming technology and controller, and to improve the member experience over time,” the Verdu wrote.
The initial test will make the game accessible to a limited number of television brands. The televisions where the beta test of the video game streaming service will work include;
- Walmart ONN
- Samsung Smart TVs
- Roku devices
- NVIDIA Shield TV
- LG TVs
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Players
Don’t feel sad if you don’t see your television brand or streaming device on the list. Netflix has noted that the list will be upgraded with “additional devices…on an ongoing basis”. The streaming giant believes that making games accessible to more devices will make it easier for their subscribers all over the world to access their favorite games.
Will video game streaming break the console monopoly?
It will likely be a while before AAA games will come to Netflix’s video game streaming service. There will likely be legal hiccups for them to surmount to get there. However, video game streaming is a looming threat to console monopoly.
For the record, console Monopoly here is not talking about the board game where you purchase properties and inflate rents. We are talking about the marketing strategy used by the major console makers where they make games exclusive to only one platform to get gamers to purchase their console—leading to some games being tagged PlayStation exclusive or Xbox exclusive.
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With the expansion of Netflix video game streaming (and other similar video game streaming services), gamers will no longer have to stack up video game consoles in their homes. Instead, they just need good Internet service, and they can stream any available title to their TVs.
However, considering the limited buttons of the Netflix Game Controller App, it seems unlikely that the company is planning to add AAA games to its platform.
What is the biggest challenge you foresee with video game streaming services? Share your thoughts with us in the comment box below.
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