Netflix launches mobile games for Android, with iOS ‘on the way’

Netflix announced on Tuesday the launch of a myriad of mobile games that all its subscribers can enjoy, as the streaming platform pushes forward with its plan to enter the video games market that were initially unveiled earlier in July.

The newly released games will feature some of the company’s household names such “Stranger Things: 1984,” “Stranger Things 3: The Game” (BonusXP), “Shooting Hoops” (Frosty Pop), “Card Blast” (Amuzo & Rogue Games), and “Teeter Up” (Frosty Pop).

The games have been made available to download and play as per the date of announcement from the Google Play Store, with an iOS rollout supposedly “on the way.”

Netflix execs previously highlighted that the effort is designed to strengthen the core video-subscription service rather than representing a discrete new revenue stream; it is worth mentioning that these games are included as part of the overall subscription, with no extra fees, ads, or in-app purchases.

“The push into games and other areas like merchandise are not expected to become significant profit-generating businesses. Those initiatives are about enhancing the big service that we have,” Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings said in a statement.

He added: “We’re a one-product company with a bunch of supporting elements that help that product be an incredible satisfaction for consumers and a monetizing engine for investors.”

“Whether you’re craving a casual game you can start from scratch or an immersive experience that lets you dig deeper into your favorite stories, we want to begin to build a library of games that offers something for everyone,” Mike Verdu, Netflix’s VP of game development, said when announcing the global launch.

While some of Netflix’s mobile games may require an internet connection, others will be available to play offline, Verdu explained.

The mobile games are currently available in Netflix’s app for Android devices when you log into your profile, via a dedicated games row and games tab where you can select any game to download.

“We view gaming as another new content category for us, similar to our expansion into original films, animation, and unscripted TV,” Netflix wrote in its Q2 letter to investors.

In parallel, Netflix’s mobile games are available in many of the languages it offers in the app, and they will automatically default to the preference set in your Netflix profile. If your language is not yet available, games will default to English, while the games are not available on Netflix Kids profiles.