After launching Netflix games on mobile, Netflix Inc. is working on expanding its games service to TVs. Bloomberg reports that a hidden code in Netflix app refers to Netflix games played on TVs which means the service could launch on Apple TV set up, along with other smart TVs.
In 2021, Netflix debuted its mobile gaming service for iOS and Android devices worldwide. For no additional cost, all subscribers can play ad-free Netlifx games with no in-app purchases on their smartphones and tablets like Stranger Things: 1984, Stranger Things 3: The Game, Shooting Hoops, Card Blast, and others.
However, subscribers have to install the games via App Store on iOS but can also launch them directly from the Netflix app.
Netflix games expansion on smart TVs would be a key milestone
Developer Steve Moser discovered the code on the app which reads, “A game on your TV needs a controller to play. Do you want to use this phone as a game controller?”
As Netflix games are available on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones could be used as gaming controllers if the gaming service launch on TVs.
The publisher believes that the expansion of Netflix games on TV sets would be a key milestone for the company because Netflix is already built into many smart TVs and platforms like tvOS, and ChromeOS.
Furthermore, the move would also pave the way for Netflix’s cloud gaming service with a larger library of titles to compete with Nvidia Geforce Now, Apple Arcade, and others.
Netflix’s plan to eventually launch a cloud gaming service would potentially let users stream games over the internet without installing them on devices. This approach would allow for a wider array of titles and turn Netflix into a competitor to companies like Microsoft Corp. and even providers of non-cloud gaming services such as Apple Arcade.
Recently, the video streamer launched its cheaper Netflix Basic with Ads on Apple TV set-top box.
