If you have a Netflix subscription, don’t sleep on the service’s games
When Netflix first announced it was pushing into video games, the news was met with some healthy skepticism. By that point, we’d seen a few non-gaming companies like Google and Amazon try to elbow into the space with services that struggled to deliver strong, consistent content. Netflix seemed doomed to go down the same path when it launched its first batch of games, an unimpressive list that included mobile games. That slow start may have put the steamer on the wrong foot as only 1% of subscribers were reportedly engaging with its gaming offerings earlier this year.
A lot has changed in the past few months. Netflix has gone from zero to 60 since June, seemingly releasing a notable new game every few weeks. That sudden explosion hit another high note this week with the release of Desta: The Memories Between, a standout mobile title that’s exclusive to Netflix members.
While Netflix may not have a true killer app just yet, it has built up an impressive library of games in just a few short months. If you already have a Netflix subscription, you might want to start paying attention to what’s included with your monthly payment. By the end of the year, you might find yourself playing Netflix games more than you watch shows on the service.
Netflix’s growth as a serious gaming competitor is sudden, but not necessarily surprising. The company turned heads in 2021 when it acquired Oxenfree developer Night School Studio. It was a statement acquisition at the time. In picking up an indie studio with a critically beloved game under its belt, it seemed like Netflix understood that content was king. Just having games wouldn’t be enough — they needed to be good.
Netflix was slow to capitalize on that moment, but that changed in June.
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