Netflix launched its gaming venture in Poland with two games for its Android application. The video-streaming company shared the news via a tweet and said it was still in an early gaming stage on its platform. Netflix has shown interest in the gaming sector for a while now.
Last month, in its quarterly letter to shareholders, the OTT service stated that it is currently in the “early stages of expanding into gaming.” It looks like the proof-of-concept is now available.
Netflix’s first-ever keynote was held at E3, June 2019. It announced Stranger Things, an Android and iOS location-based RPG/ puzzler.
Over the years, the company has sought to enter the gaming market. Last month, it hired former Electronic Arts and Facebook executive Mike Verdu as its Vice President of Game Development. And later in the same month, its quarterly letter to shareholders mentioned that gaming would be a core part of its subscription offering.
Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3 are the first two games available in Poland’s Android app. This latter game was previously only available via the Netflix app for PC and consoles.
Netflix Poland shared the development through a tweet where it emphasized that the company is at an early stage of establishing gaming on its platform and that there is a lot of work to do in the coming months.
In a follow-up tweet, it shared that there will be no ads in these games as well as no-in-app purchases. These games will be included in Netflix’s existing subscription plans and will not require additional purchases.
From the screenshot shared by Netflix Poland on Twitter, it seems the Netflix app will show the option to install the game, which will then take the user to the Google Play store. The game will then be available via the Netflix app. The Netflix app will allow you to download the game and not stream it like movies or shows.
Netflix gaming is not yet available in India. There are no details on when it will be available in other countries. As the company expands its gaming business, more updates can be expected.
It turns out that “Netflix Gaming” doesn’t offer streaming services.
One month after its vague announcement of a new gaming-centric strategy, Netflix has explained how it will “publish” video games in the foreseeable future: as downloadable smartphone apps, available exclusively for paying video-streaming subscribers.
This news comes as the company launches Netflix Gaming, a part of its smartphone app. However, it is only available in Poland and not on Android. American Twitter translated Thursday’s Polish announcement.
This explains the service’s operation. It also announced two new games that will be part of the service: Stranger Things 3 (a 16-bit beat ’em-up) that was previously available for purchase on Google Play (and still live on PC and other devices); and Stranger Things: 1985, which is a rebranding a 2017 exclusive game for smartphones that revolves around slow, puzzle-solving movements through pixelated TV-series environments. (Both games, coincidentally, were made by the same indie game studio, BonusXP, which is based in Texas, not Poland.)
You will need to log into Netflix’s Android app using a Polish IP address. Next, open the new “N Gaming” row (pictured below). The app will then direct you to the Google Play download listing for either of these games. Before the app can be downloaded, it will ask for your Netflix credentials. Without an active Netflix account, they won’t work.
No ads, no MTX–but also no iOS?
Up-to-date – Netflix has stated that accessing Android games is now easier than it was previously reported. Although we have not yet tested the ability to insert Netflix credentials into apps attached to its app using our Android and iOS devices, this is consistent with standard credential checks across both platforms. This means that it should be easy to translate to Apple tablets and smartphones.
This access method has two benefits. Netflix can promise no in-game purchases (aka microtransactions or MTX) nor advertisements. An “N Gaming” game-branded means it is in the clear on these fronts.
(If you’re wondering, Poland has recently become a more popular test region for game and app launches, with Sony’s PlayStation Plus Video Pass remaining a Poland-only promotion for the time being.)
Thursday’s launch of Netflix Gaming clarified that Netflix does, at the moment, not intends to become “the Netflix for video games.” Still, it is attempting to imitate its video-streaming app to deliver video games. Xbox Game Streaming or Amazon Luna are your best choices for cloud-streamed games. As long as you’re in a compatible area, they will work.
It seems that the move is less concerned about the delivery method than it is in making accessible games that draw on Netflix’s vast library of licenses. It’s a smart business move, considering how large the smartphone-gaming industry is and how many opportunities there are for a recognizable service promising ad-free, MTX-free fun with familiar characters.
Netflix could have other delivery options or platforms in its sights. It is unclear. It’s unclear. Today’s announcement reminds users of the company’s “exploring” what gaming looks like at Netflix. This statement gives the company legal leeway to suggest that it may one day unveil a backpack-mounted VR chess version of real-life escape rooms based on any of its serial killer docuseries.
Netflix’s decision to only announce one game-production route today without mentioning other popular options such as consoles or PCs is very telling. It also aligns with Netflix’s recent hire of Mike Verdu to head its gaming team; his modern track record has largely revolved around mobile content for EA and Zynga.
FAQ
What is Netflix’s monthly cost?
Netflix Monthly Subscriptions are $8.99 for Basic, $13.99 Standard, and $17.99 Premium plans. Standard DVD and Bluray plans start at $7.99 per month, while Premier plans start at $11.99.
Is Netflix free to download?
The app can be downloaded for free, but you’ll need to subscribe to get access to a variety of entertainment options. Netflix is not only available on Windows but also for Android, iOS, and macOS.
How can I get Netflix for three months free?
How can I get Netflix for free for three months? Netflix does not offer free plans at the moment. However, their basic plan is available with no contracts, cancellation fees, and no commitments. To find the latest Netflix offers and deals, you can sign up for Giving Assistant.
What is the best way to pay Netflix annually?
Netflix is cheaper than cable but still quite expensive. Netflix’s Basic plan costs $108, while Premium Netflix is $192. There are a few tricks that can help you reduce your subscription fees.
What is the maximum number of people who can use Netflix accounts?
You can create up to five profiles. You can stream to only one device with the Basic plan. You can stream to up to two devices simultaneously with the Standard plan. The Premium plan allows you to stream up to four devices simultaneously.
Is Netflix good for basic?
The Basic plan is good if you don’t intend to use Netflix often or wish to subscribe to other streaming services in combination. The Premium and Standard plans are more expensive if you share with multiple users or care about quality.
What is the maximum number of people who can simultaneously watch Netflix?
A Standard subscription costs $13.99 per month and allows you to watch Netflix on up to two screens simultaneously. Premium Netflix subscribers, which cost $17.99 per month, can watch Netflix on up to four screens simultaneously.
Is the Netflix app expensive?
As long as you have Netflix already, there’s no additional charge. But here’s the catch: The catch? It would help if you had the right tablet or phone. All Android, Apple, Windows 7, and Windows 7 users can access the Netflix mobile app.
Is Netflix available for free with Amazon Prime?
This was the 1st time this has been done. Do you? Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Etc., Etc., IS NOT FREE WITH PRIME! You can sign in to an existing account with these services, but you will be charged separately from your Amazon Prime account.
Which country offers free Netflix?
Netflix will offer a weekend of streaming for free to all countries after it has ended free trials in the US. Netflix in India will offer one weekend of streaming. The event is called StreamFest and will not require payment information. This is as Netflix ends its free trial in the US.
What happens if Netflix is not paid?
If Netflix attempts to charge you for the next billing cycle but fails, they will suspend or cancel your account. You will lose access to Netflix content. Netflix will cease charging you for Netflix content if your account is not paid for for a month.
What number of people can use Netflix 199?
One screen was available with streaming quality in standard definition (SD). The Rs.199 plan allowed access. Users had the option to choose the Rs 649 plan after the Rs 199 plan. This plan allowed access to four screens, including a phone, tablet, and computer.
Which Netflix plan is the best?
You can stream on one device per month with the Basic plan, which costs Rs499 per month. You can stream movies and series up to 1080p (FullHD) resolution. Also, you get the download feature. The standard plan is best if you wish to share your account with friends and family.
Can my Netflix account be shared with my family?
Netflix sharing is legal, if you are wondering. This streaming giant allows users to create multiple accounts within one account. Users can share their account details with other members of the household using both premium and standard memberships
