Netflix: The Media Streaming Giant to Rule Them All

We can’t dispute Netflix and their influence they’ve had in shaping the film industry. From re-airing critically acclaimed shows, to the creation and premiering of beloved Netflix Originals. Find out more about Netflix’s latest venture into the world of gaming, and how it could change everything.

Netflix changed the way we consume media, as well as the access to various movies and films at any given moment. However, the media giant we’ve come to know started from humble beginnings.

In 1997, Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph started a DVD rental business. This idea spawned after Randolph was charged with a late fee after renting a film, and realized that the mailing of films was a fool-proof system.

In 1999, Netflix launched their subscription service, while their website was already established and garnering traction in 1998. Nearly a decade later, the business would launch their revolutionary on-demand content streaming service – which laid the groundwork for all modern streaming services.

It’s about time that we get to the good stuff. If you haven’t heard about it yet, Netflix now allows their subscribers to stream games on demand. So, how exactly does this catalogue work?

Announcing Netflix games: The strategic shift

Games would fall part of the video streaming service in November 2021, with less than 10 games to be explored. The launch may not have been revolutionary, but the media giant has continued to invest into this catalogue of games.

How Netflix games integrates with existing subscriptions

The coolest aspect of Netflix games is its integration with a standard subscription. This means more people than ever have access to tons of indie games, along with a few vintage AAA titles – all for a strikingly low price.

To jog your memory, here is the pricing for all Netflix subscriptions:

Seeing as Netflix has simultaneously spawned and dominated within the streaming business, it only makes sense for them to tap into the lucrative gaming industry. After Google Stadia’s failed launch, and GeForce Now’s rising popularity, it only makes sense for Netflix to start experimenting with gaming.

For all we know, Netflix could be a leading on-demand streaming service for AAA video game releases, namely from companies such as Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Blizzard/Activision.

Enhancing Subscriber Engagement and Loyalty

The most reasonable explanation for Netflix’s sudden interest in gaming is its awareness of the market’s potential. As we’ve already discussed, cloud gaming is still in its infancy-stage, so establishing a handhold in the gaming sphere is a smart move.

Capitalist mumbo-jumbo aside, we believe that Netflix is trying to further incentivize their subscribers’ loyalty, and there really is no better way to do this. Gaming may have been a niche hobby 10–15 years ago, but it has slowly become one of the most popular entertainment mediums post 2020.

The Distinction Between Online Gaming and Streaming Content

Netflix may not be jumping on the game-streaming game just yet, but it’s a matter of time before they allow you to access high-octane action directly from the cloud. All this would require is a fast internet connection, a mobile device, and an active subscription. While streaming video games is the potential way forward, most of these games are downloadable on mobile, desktop, and as applications for your smart TV.

When it comes to variety, there’s more than enough to keep you busy in this catalogue. There are 92 titles to explore, with most of these titles also being mobile-friendly. To keep things simple, here are a few epic titles we recommend you demo:

1. Hades – Supergiant Games

This indie game managed to wow the gaming industry back in 2020, going as far as snagging numerous “game of the year” awards. This intense rogue-like action game combines frenetic action, precise movement, and moment-to-moment decision-making to deliver a fast-paced, and charming narrative.

Hades is definitely geared towards more hardened gamers, but you’ll find yourself becoming immersed in this coming of age tale set in a rich, ancient Greek setting.

2. Grand Theft Auto Trilogy – Grove Street Games x Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto 3, San Andreas, and Vice City are still revered as some of the greatest open world sandbox experiences in gaming history. Follow CJ, Tony, and Claude, as their stories unravel within their respective games, and be sure to capitalize on the chaotic and addictive gameplay of this franchise.

These Grand Theft Auto titles are still renowned for their captivating stories and thrilling gameplay. Additionally, Grove Street Games have remastered each of these games to take full advantage of modern technologies.

3. Stranger Things 3: The Game – Bonus XP

If you’re a fan of the iconic Stranger things franchise, then there’s a lot for you to look forward to here. Take control of 12 distinct characters, each with their own unique plot line, as you dare to enter the Upside Down.

This game wins bonus points for its quirky pixel-art style, as well as the addition of co-op play, letting you and a friend face the odds while embarking on a rollercoaster of emotions.

4. Netflix Stories: Love is Blind – Boss Fight Studios

If you’re a sucker for a solid, soppy, and endearing love story, Love is Blind might be your best bet. Step into the shoes of a new contestant, allowing you to freely customize your character to set the mood. Every choice you make will dictate the outcome of your date, the next date, and the ultimate outcome of your dream relationship.

Love is Blind is definitely geared towards more casual gamers, especially the ladies looking for a drama-packed love story. On top of the various stories to uncover, Boss Fight Studios frequently updates the game with limited-time stories and permanent expansions to keep you hooked.

5. Various Tabletop Games

The closest you’ll get to guaranteed casino games action on the Netflix Games catalogue are a handful of tabletop games. These games include Dominoes Café, Mahjong Solitaire, Solitaire, and The Queen’s Gambit Chess.

While none of these games offer real-money cash prizes, they allow for amazing local and online gameplay sessions with strangers and loved ones alike.

It’s no secret that Squid Game flipped the entertainment industry on its head. Its dystopian setting blends drama, thriller, and unwavering suspense into a breathtaking romp – which kept audiences glued to their seats from its pilot episode through its season finale.

After some digging, we managed to uncover an exclusive slot experience: The Squid Game Official Slot Machine.

Breaking down the Squid Game Slot Experience

Off the bat, this slot machine boasts a winnings range of $200,000 to $400,000. Its inception will be strictly limited to a physical cabinet, it is well worth hunting down this premium machine at one of Canada’s popular land-based casinos.

Now that you’ve got a better idea of Netflix’s gaming offerings, you can easily integrate their casual (and not-so-casual) experiences into your day-to-day gaming adventures. If you’re looking for even more titles to sink your teeth into, make sure to check out the official Netflix page.