Today, Netflix announced that it will start testing mobile games within its Android app for Polish members. Paying subscribers will have the opportunity to play Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3 games at launch. These titles were previously available on Google Play, Apple App Store, and Google Play. The newer releases are also available on other platforms, including desktops and consoles. The games will be available to subscribers via the Netflix mobile app center tab. However, users will still be directed directly to the Google Play Store to download the game to their devices.
Members will then need to verify their Netflix credentials in order to play.
Members can return to the game later by clicking on Play on the Games page within the Netflix app, or directly from their mobile device.
A Netflix spokesperson stated that it is still early days, and they will work hard to provide the best gaming experience possible in the coming months with our no ads, in-app purchases, gaming approach.
Let's talk about Netflix and gaming. Members in Poland can now access Netflix mobile gaming on Android. The two games are Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3 Although it's still very early and there is still a lot to do, this is the first step. https://t.co/yOl44PGY0r Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) August 26, 2021
Since years, the company has been increasing its gaming investments. It sees the potential for a wider entertainment universe that is tied in to its most beloved shows. Netflix presented a number of gaming integrations on popular platforms such as Fortnite and Roblox, and announced plans to introduce new Stranger Things games.
Netflix is now working with BonusXP, an Allen, Texas-based video game studio. Their first game, Stranger Things: The Game for Netflix, was renamed Stranger Things: 1985 to differentiate it from other games. The Stranger Things 3 title is a playable version the third season of Netflix's Stranger Things series. It takes place after season 1, and before season 2. Warning: Spoilers!
Netflix refused to reveal how popular the apps were in terms of installs or users, even though they were available publicly on the app store.
Netflix has announced that users will require a membership in order to download the titles. The titles are now only available to subscribers. Existing users who have downloaded the game from Google Play previously will not be affected. If they have the game installed, they will be able play it as normal or re-download it from the account library. New players can only access the Netflix app to download the game.
According to Netflix, the test will help to understand mobile gaming's appeal to Netflix members as well as determine any other enhancements Netflix might need to make to its overall functionality. Because Poland has a large mobile gaming audience, it was a natural choice for the first test market.
Netflix could not say when it would expand this test to other countries beyond the next months.
The streamer announced recently during its second quarter earnings that it will add mobile games to their offerings. It noted that gaming is another content category it views as a business opportunity, similar to its expansion into original movies, animation, and unscripted television.
This news came after a sharp decline in new customers following the surge to streaming due to pandemic. Netflix lost 430,000 subscribers in North America in Q2, its third consecutive quarter of decline in a decade. The company also gave weaker guidance for Q3, forecasting an increase of 3.5 million subscribers, whereas analysts were expecting 5.9 million. Netflix downplayed competition's threat to slowing growth and instead blamed Covid-related production delays for a lighter content portfolio.
