Netflix has started a beta test of its long-teased cloud gaming service, which will allow Netflix subscribers to stream games as part of their subscription, at no extra cost, across a range of devices.
The news was shared via a Netflix blog post in which it was confirmed that the beta test will be rolling out to a limited number of subscribers in Canada and the United Kingdom. Those taking part in the beta will be able to stream games through select TV’s with the ability to stream on Netflix.com on PC and Mac, through supported browsers, coming within the next few weeks.
Our goal has always been to have a game for everyone, and we are working hard to meet members where they are with an accessible, smooth, and ubiquitous service. Today, we’re taking the first step in making games playable on every device where our members enjoy Netflix — TVs, computers, and mobile.
Mike Verdu – Netflix VP of Games
Two games will be available to play as part of the initial beta test.
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller that follows a group of friends as they open up a ghostly rift, the game is developed by Night School Studio which is a Netlfix Game Studio after they were acquired by Netflix in September 2021. The second title available is Molehews Mining Adventure, which is a gem-mining arcade game.
To play games on TV, Netflix has launched a controller app which is already available to download on iOS, this app will turn your mobile device into a Netflix Gaming Controller. When the beta rolls out to PC and Mac, users will be able to play games using a keyboard and mouse.
The initial range of devices that will support TV game streaming includes Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Players, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart ONN. More supported devices will roll out over time.
By making games available on more devices, we hope to make games even easier to play for our members around the world. While we’re still very early in our games journey, we’re excited to bring joy to members with games.
Mike Verdu – Netlix VP of Games
Mike Verdu first hinted about Netflix’s move into the cloud gaming space back in October of 2022. This was further confirmed by Leanne Loombe in an interview that she did with The Verge earlier this year. Netflix also hired George Tsipolitis who was previously General Manager for cloud gaming service, Amazon Luna, with him joining Netflix as the Senior Director of Engineering for Gaming
This initial beta test is certainly a small step into cloud gaming from Netflix, however, I for one am certainly eager to see just how they progress. Fingers crossed we will have some exciting times ahead.
