Netflix is looking to expand its range of games, and reports indicate that you will soon be able to enjoy its titles on your TV as well as on the Netflix phone app.
Between the less-than-well-received announcements that Netflix’s free password sharing will soon be a thing of the past – with password sharing rules that are hard to understand – the streamer is also expanding its catalog of services to include games.
In the Netflix mobile app, subscribers will find not only blockbuster video content; they can also access a pretty solid range of free games to play on their smartphone. However, playing games on a phone screen isn’t for everyone – especially on more budget phones where the screen isn’t the biggest or the best quality.
Now developer Steve Moser has discovered a code in the Netflix apps that references games played on the TV (via Bloomberg).
Furthermore, apparently there’s also code that suggests you’ll be able to use your phone as a controller to play them, with one line of code reading “The game on your TV needs a controller to play. Do you want to use this phone as a game controller?
All such leaks should be taken with a grain of salt – chances are Netflix is just testing these features and has no plans to make them public – but Moser has a decent track record of these kinds of leaks. He previously revealed that Netflix’s ad level did not allow downloading of shows for offline viewing, which was later confirmed by Netflix.
Comment: I’m excited about Netflix’s better games
When I first heard that Netflix was planning to expand its catalog with games, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea at all. Instead of spending money on mediocre mobile games, I’d rather see it invest in its shows and give my favorite series an extra season rather than unceremoniously canceling them at prime time.
But its current game library is good, even great. Alongside titles related to popular Netflix shows such as Stranger things AND Narcosalso features some of the absolute best indie games like Oxen free, lunarAND Spiritualist (all of which you should play, especially if you’re a Netflix subscriber).
And this latest leak makes me very excited about the development of the streaming platform. While I don’t mind playing on my phone when I’m on the move, when I’m at home I prefer to lay on the couch and watch the action on the big screen TV; so I’m more likely to play a Netflix game to the end on my TV.
If Netflix can continue to grow its gaming services, both in terms of infrastructure and catalog of titles, it could be a force to be reckoned with in the streaming space – and I can’t wait to see where it takes this service next.
If Netflix games don’t convince you to subscribe or stay on Netflix, check out other top streaming services.