With the success of the Xbox game pass, some companies are looking to replicate that success. According to a Bloomberg report, Netflix is looking to add video games to the service. However, details are pretty scarce. The company has hired former Electronic Arts and Zynga executive, Mike Verdu, to lead its efforts in this ventures as its vice president of game development.
Netflix Promising New Venture
Verdu previously worked on bringing games and other content to Oculus. As it stands, Netflix will not charge for the extra content. Plenty of questions still remain and nothing is set in stone. However, Netflix is looking to add more employees to the gaming team in the coming months. Positions are on the careers page.
Netflix has been involved with games in some capacity. Most recently, they licensed the usage of Stranger Things in the MOBA Smite. They have even done interactive programming as well. It created choose-your-own-adventure-styled shows like Black Mirror and Carmen Sandiego. Co-Chief Executive Officers Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos have shared their interest in pushing into gaming in recent calls with analysts.
This deal, however, is “much larger in scope.” According to the report, “The games will appear alongside current fare as a new programming genre; similar to what Netflix did with documentaries or stand-up specials.” The report went on to say that “In typical Netflix fashion, the company may start with just a few games and build from there.”
While details are scarce, this does set the streaming giant apart from competitors. Currently, Apple and other tech companies do sell gaming options along with video services. The potential deal is promising as more revenue will be generated as a result.
As time goes by, we will learn new information about the potential deal. Netflix has yet to settle in on a strategy. Would you like to see sports games added to Netflix?
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