Written by Joe Jackson on Nov 5, 2021. Posted in General Interest

Stranger Things games among new Netflix smartphone series

Netflix is beginning to roll out its debut series of games for Android smartphones and tablets. As part of this first wave, five mobile games are available for subscribers via the company’s app. More games are in the pipeline - with no adverts or in-app purchases set to interrupt gameplay.

"Whether you're craving a casual game you can start from scratch, or an immersive experience that lets you dig deeper into your favourite stories, we want to begin to build a library of games that offers something for everyone," states Mike Verdu, the company's head of game development. “We’re excited to continue improving our mobile gaming experience and adding to our entertainment offering in the months ahead.”

In July 2021 Verdu joined Netflix from Facebook, where he was previously in charge of augmented reality and virtual reality content. The move was designed to emphasise the streaming company’s efforts to delve deeper into new gaming spaces.

Two of five games being launched by the service are linked to the streaming giant’s popular Stranger Things series. The remaining games – Card Blast, Teeter Up and Shooting Hoops – are not tied to any particular film or television franchise, highlighting Netflix’s attempts to create an eclectic spectrum of gaming content both within and beyond the remit of its current licensing agreements.

While the first release is only for Android phones and tables, Netflix have also revealed that games will arrive for Apple smart devices over the next few months. In the past, Apple has resisted attempt by external companies to plant “stores inside stores” – a phenomenon particularly common in the gaming sphere.

Microsoft initially launched its Game Pass streaming service in 2020, yet Apple blocked the app from its iPhone App Store on the grounds that the content included with the pass (approximately 100 different games) needed to be listed in its store on an individual basis.

Nonetheless, Microsoft remains the most dominant entity within the game subscription market at present thanks to its widely-used Xbox Game Pass service. The group estimate that tens of millions of subscribing players pay between GDP7.99 and GDP10.99 per month, with costs dependant on the features one downloads.

Images courtesy of Netflix