Netflix wants to reach gamers on TVs and PCs too so it is exploring a cloud gaming offering that will be a different approach than Stadia. It declined to say if it is developing its own game controller.

Netflix launched its gaming service almost a year ago in November 2021. Games are playable only on iOS and Android mobile devices as game installs.

However, Netflix has its eyes on TV devices such as Apple TV, Android TV and Smart TVs as well as PCs. To reach those gamers, the company is considering adding a cloud gaming component to its service.

- "So we are very seriously exploring a cloud gaming offering so we can reach members on TVs and PCs. We’re going to approach this the same way we did with mobile, which is start small, be humble, be thoughtful, and then build out," Mike Verdu, Vice President of Games at Netflix, revealed at the TC Disrupt 2022 conference.


 Netflix games are currently available only on mobile devices. Photo: Netflix

55 games in development
Mike Verdu said that there are currently 35 mobile games available on Netflix without in-game ads or in-app purchases, all included in members' subscription plan. 55 games are in development including 14 games from internal studios.

How can Netflix succeed in game streaming where Google Stadia failed? Verdu pointed out that Stadia had good technology but a different business model. On Netflix games will be included in the subscription plan so users do not have to pay extra.

A gaming service from Netflix on TVs would compete with Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass, Amazon Luna, and Apple Arcade, and could even persuade some console gamers to shift platform.

 Also read: Netflix's gaming push likely to cause tension with platform holders

Verdu also revealed that Netflix is building its fifth game studio in Southern California led by Chacko Sonny, a former executive producer on Blizzard Entertainment's Overwatch. 

Is Netflix developing its own game controller? Verdu declined to comment but acknowledged that TV games will not rely on a simple remote control. Some streaming boxes and Smart TVs already support PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox controllers in addition to more generic Bluetooth game controllers.