Netflix is reportedly exploring the possibility of testing games for TV, according to developer Steve Moser, who shared his findings with Bloomberg. Moser discovered hidden code in the Netflix app referencing games that can be played on television, as well as code that suggests phones may be used as controllers. One line from the app prompts the user to use their phone as a controller for TV games. Moser previously predicted that Netflix’s ad-supported plan would not include offline viewing, which turned out to be accurate.
Netflix launched its mobile gaming experience in 2021, which requires users to download games from the App Store or Google Play due to rules set by those platforms. However, these games can be launched from within the Netflix app to improve user engagement and retention, and an active subscription is necessary to access them. As of now, Netflix’s TV app does not feature these games, but the company’s VP of game development has hinted that it is seriously exploring a cloud gaming offering and plans to launch more than just casual games for TV.
It’s unclear whether users will need to download games before playing them on TVs. Meanwhile, the current mobile game catalog consists of around 55 titles, with 40 more games set to be released throughout 2023.
