Netflix’s entry into the world of video games, which took place in 2021, was characterized by an initial heterogeneous approach, ranging from independent titles to productions linked to TV series, up to conversions of highly successful games and acquisition of development studies. However, this initial strategy, without a clear direction, has led to a recent revision of the objectives. Alain Tascan, former vice -president of Epic Games games development (Creators of Fortnite) and current head of the Netflix games division, has outlined a new more focused strategy. The goal is “finding a” distinctive for Netflix item in the videogame panorama, concentrating efforts on four main categories: narrative games (interactive experiences that are intertwined with the original Netflix productions, such as the reality series), multiplayer party game, games for children and finally mainstream games, productions with the potential to achieve a vast public, both through popular franchise licenses (as “Squid Game”) both through the creation of original intellectual properties (such as the new MMO “Spirit Crossing”).
This new direction also involves a downsizing of some previous initiatives. For example, the internal study dedicated to the development of AAA titles has been closed, and also the publication of indie games, while continuing, will no longer be a central element of the strategy. The selection of the titles will be guided by their adherence to the four main categories. Netflix’s long -term goal is to become a reference point for video games, offering an immediate and accessible game experience on any device. Tascan compares this vision to Fortnite’s success, one of the first games to implement the cross-play, eliminating the barriers between the different platforms. To reach this goal, Netflix aims to reduce obstacles to access to games. Currently, the process requires research and download via the App Store, but the goal is to make games available in streaming, playable instantly on any screen.
Tascan provides that this transition will take place within the next five years, thanks to the technological progress in streaming, the habit of players to multiplatform experiences and the growing base of global users of Netflix. A first step in this direction will be the launch, by the end of the year, of the first games designed specifically for TV. These titles, still not announced, will be playable on Smart TV using the smartphone as a controller, eliminating the need for dedicated peripherals. Tascan has great ambitions for these new projects, coming to hypothesize that some of them may have a cultural impact similar to the Travis Scott concert in Fortnite, an event that has been able to capture the attention of the public well beyond the boundaries of the world of video games.