(Update: We reached out to Netflix for a comment on these rumors and have added their response below.)
Over the years, we’ve seen various game streaming services described as wanting to be the “Netflix of gaming” — with companies like Microsoft, Sony, Google, and Apple among consideration for the title. However, a new report from The Information suggests Netflix itself might be interested in stepping into the gaming realm. The streaming service has reportedly been approaching key gaming industry figures about a potential expansion into gaming and is looking to hire an executive to oversee the effort.
The service, as it’s described, could somewhat resemble the current Apple Arcade model: Users would pay a flat fee for access to a number of titles. It’s unclear at the moment whether the games involved would be developed internally, or perhaps Netflix would leverage third-party titles, but the report does indicate the games included in the service would not feature advertising.
As IGN points out, Netflx isn’t exactly new to the gaming industry. The service has previously released games tied to some of its hits, including Stranger Things. Conversely, it also has a number of shows based on games and on properties that have also been made into games, including The Witcher, Resident Evil, and Castlevania. But launching a dedicated gaming service would represent a significantly bigger investment.
We reached out to Netflix and a spokesperson shared the following statement:
“Our members value the variety and quality of our content. It’s why we’ve continually expanded our offering — from series to documentaries, film, local language originals and reality TV. Members also enjoy engaging more directly with stories they love — through interactive shows like Bandersnatch and You v. Wild, or games based on Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel and To All the Boys. So we’re excited to do more with interactive entertainment.”
We’ll certainly keep a very close eye on these rumors and report back as we hear more.