Netflix is known for its streaming content, but it also offers a growing library of games to subscribers. These games are available free of charge currently.
On its games website, Netflix highlights the current advantages of games. These includes “no ads”, “no extra fees”, “no in-app purchases” and “unlimited access”.
As far as games are concerned, you find the usual assortment of casual games for the most part. What may be surprising to some is that you get some high quality games as well. This includes the “definitive editions” of Grand Theft Auto Vice City and San Andreas, and the blockbuster Into The Breach.
The free ride may be over soon
A Wall Street Journal report suggests (paywalled) that Netflix is evaluating a number of ways to monetize its games offering. Next to charging extra for premium titles, Netflix may also introduce in-app purchases or advertisement.
The change torpedoes all main features of Netflix Games, which most subscribers may not like on bit.
Besides this, Netflix also considers giving Standard with Ads subscribers access to the games section. Games are limited to Standard and Premium plans currently at Netflix.
Soon, and this seems a likely option, Standard with Ads subscribers may get their hands on at least some of the available games. These would, you guessed it already, come with advertisement.
Netflix has high hopes for its ad-powered plan. It continues to grow and the inclusion of games would make it more attractive to part of the target demographic.
Netflix Games: the future
Netflix tripled its games download rate in 2023. Count rose to more than 81 million downloads in 2023. For Netflix, it is important that downloads and use rise year on year.
Monetization is the next logical step for the company, even though it stated earlier that it did not want to go down that route. It is possible that Standard with Ads is getting access to ad-powered games only, and that the offer for ad-free subscribers remains as is.
Netflix could run some tests to see how premium game offers fare on the network.
If you are a Netflix subscriber and a gamer, you may want to give some of the games a go before things may change.
Streaming is evolving from its initial goal of providing a simpler ad-free experience. Numerous streaming services compete against each other now in a market that is pivoting towards ads. It is reducing the attractiveness of these services and pushes P2P again.
Netflix is at the forefront of the development. The streaming giant announced a new binge ad format and sponsorships recently.