Netflix wants to conquer the world of mobile video games, and seems ready to do anything to do so. For over two years, the video streaming platform has been investing heavily in this sector, offering more and more titles in its catalog. Games such as Oxenfree II, Spiritfarer, Soldats Inconnus, Immortality and many others are now available free of charge to Netflix subscribers on smartphones and tablets. Netflix Games got off to a rocky start, but the company never gave up. It invested close to a billion dollars to improve its service and acquired renowned studios such as Night School Studios, Next Games and Boss Fight Entertainment. Initially, Netflix focused on adaptations of its own hits (Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel, Love is Blind…), then on blockbuster licenses (Tomb Raider, Sonic, Hello Kitty…) and popular mobile games (Cut The Rope, Asphalt, Reign…). The platform has also signed partnerships with renowned publishers, including Ubisoft, which is preparing an Assassin’s Creed game for Netflix. And now, Netflix is dreaming of obtaining the rights to the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) license. According to the Wall Street Journal, discussions have already begun between Netflix and Take Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, to acquire the rights to the GTA license. No word yet on whether this will be a brand-new title or a previous mobile version, such as GTA Vice City Stories or GTA Chinatown Wars. But Netflix isn’t stopping there. The platform is also testing a cloud gaming offering, enabling users in the UK, Canada and the USA to play mobile video games on their TV via their smartphone used as a game controller. Netflix’s aim is to diversify its content offering and offer “added value” to its subscribers, in order to retain them longer on its platform. Although Netflix already has over 70.5 million games downloaded, more than double the number of the previous year, this represents barely 1% of the estimated 240 million subscribers. Netflix is aware that it is still a long way from the giants of the mobile gaming sector, but it hopes that games based on its own series licenses will attract young adults and encourage them to stay on the platform. Netflix is constantly developing its mobile video game offering, offering more and more titles in its catalog. The platform has invested heavily in this sector, acquiring renowned studios and creating its own. It is now dreaming of obtaining the rights to the GTA license, and is also testing a cloud gaming offering. Although Netflix has yet to rival the industry giants, the company hopes to build subscriber loyalty by offering a unique gaming experience. To be continued… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttNc0AD9lWs
