This news article discusses Netflix’s latest experiment with TV games that can be played using smartphones as controllers. It covers the discovery of hidden code within the Netflix app, the company’s plans for gaming on TV, and what users can currently expect from its mobile gaming service.
Netflix is considering testing games that can be played on TV, according to developer Steve Moser, who shared his findings with Bloomberg. He discovered hidden code within the Netflix app that refers to games played on television and the ability to use phones as controllers to play them. The app even includes a prompt asking users if they want to use their phone as a game controller. Moser previously correctly predicted that Netflix’s ad-supported plan would not include offline viewing.
In 2021, Netflix launched its gaming service for Android, iPhones, and iPads, which requires users to download games from the App Store or Google Play due to rules set by Apple and Google. However, these games can be launched from within the Netflix app, and users must have an active subscription to access them. Unfortunately, these games are currently unavailable on the Netflix TV app.
It is unclear how Netflix plans to offer gaming on TV or whether users will need to download the games first. Netflix’s VP of game development, Mike Verdu, mentioned last year that the company was considering a cloud gaming service and looking to offer more than just casual games for TV.
For now, users can access the 55 games available on the mobile app, with 40 more games set to launch in 2023. These games aim to increase engagement and retain users.
