Gamifying the Stream: Netflix's Quirky Leap into Gaming
Netflix's Venture into Gaming Is Embarrassingly Clumsy
After tirelessly consuming and dishing out hot takes about Netflix's unexpected dive into the gaming world, I thought it was high time to give these new games a spin and understand what this gaming giant eyes in the realm of virtual gameplay—all while trying to make sense of this bizarre detour.
As an Apple loyalist, I had to bide my time; Android enthusiasts got a headstart on the Google Play Store on Nov 2, which also marked the arrival of a shiny new 'Games' tab within the Netflix app on their devices. For those of us glued to Apple devices, accessing these fun new titles required a detour through the App Store.
The five games up for grabs seem promising. Stranger Things: 1984, with its adorable 8-bit RPG charm, does justice to the hit series. The other four games are unattached to any Netflix-specific branding but still offer a fun distraction, much like passing time with a game of cards or shooting hoops.
Predictably, the games themselves aren't the real surprise. Netflix's acquisition of indie game developer, Night School Studio, back in September signaled the platform's commitment to storytelling in gaming. Yet, the big question lingers: Why are these games here in the first place?
While Netflix reigns supreme in the streaming realm, the platform can't help but feel the heat from up-and-comers looking to challenge its throne, such as Disney+. With market share to guard and shareholders to appease, Netflix isn't keen on fading into oblivion—but its recent moves sure do come across as frantic and, well, weird.
In essence, Netflix's tactics to appease subscribers in 2021 can be sorted into two neat categories: having games and being TikTok. In March, the platform unveiled "Fast Laughs," a TikTok-style infinite scroll feed showcasing comedy highlights from its shows. Coincidentally, a day before iOS users got their hands on the games, Netflix announced the testing of a "Kids Clips" feature aimed at highlighting its kids' content.
Now, everyone loves a good game, but no one's subscribing to a streaming service solely for Shooting Hoops, a title surprisingly devoid of basketball content. Besides, you can't just stream the games; they have to be downloaded separately.
Everyone's caught onto TikTok, but no one wants a seemingly forced TikTok experience embedded within the Netflix app, complete with endless feeds of 15-second clips from the platform's shows. Netflix appears sweaty-palmed and anxious, at least that's how it feels from here.
When Netflix should be investing in international programming, it's seeing successful inroads in shows like Squid Game and African-centric content, it's instead fixating on losing subscribers. But hey, what do I know? I'm just a TikTok addict complaining about Shooting Hoops.
Netflix's new gaming lineup—Stranger Things: 1984, Stranger Things 3: The Game, Shooting Hoops, Card Blast, and Teeter Up—is available to current subscribers on both iOS and Android. Game on!
- The lamentation over the necessity of Netflix's new gaming lineup, despite its bizarre detour, continues, as the platform seems to focus on TikTok-style features and games, such as Stranger Things: 1984 and Shooting Hoops, rather than investing in international programming.
- The tech world is abuzz with news of Netflix's adoption of games, but the question remains unanswered: why are these games essential for a streaming giant like Netflix that already rules the streaming realm?
- Netflix's foray into tech-driven gaming might seem like a strange move, considering the successes of shows like Squid Game and African-centric content, but the platform appears anxious, introducing features like "Fast Laughs" and "Kids Clips," possibly as a means to appease subscribers in the future tech-oriented netflix.
- As we navigate the tech landscape of the future, it's puzzling to see a streaming giant like Netflix, renowned for its storytelling prowess, distribute playable games that aren't necessarily tied to its brand, such as the basketball-themed Shooting Hoops, which doesn't actually contain any basketball content.
