Netflix leads other streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime with a 27 percent market share. In addition, the streaming platform has produced shows based on games like The Circle, The Floor is Lava, and, more recently, Squid Game.
Netflix is moving into the world of mobile gaming after November last year’s announcement. Members can play five mobile games, including Shooting Hoops, Teeter Up, Stranger Things: 1984, Stranger Things III: The Game, and Card Blast.
Users can play a casual game or immerse themselves in their favorite stories for a great gaming experience. Netflix aims to create games that meet players’ needs, and all you need is a Netflix membership to start playing.
Netflix games will initially launch on mobile, with PlayStation and Xbox support expected later. Users expect a lot from the streaming service, and here are the top fifteen features that might help Netflix compete in the gaming world.
Works On Any Device
Netflix rolled out its gaming services on mobile, a smart move in testing the market. But the streaming platform must roll out to more platforms to take on the big players in the gaming industry.
Therefore, subscribers should access the games on their favorite streaming devices. For instance, if you’re streaming Netflix on Kodi, you should play the games on the same device.
This should apply to other streaming devices like Chromecast, Roku, Firestick, and old tablets. This way, the streaming platform would rival Google Stadia or Xbox Game Pass.
Offer Immersive Exclusives
Every gaming console must have an exclusive game to go to the next level. For example, Sony PlayStation has God of War, Microsoft has Halo, etc. The game should sell the platform to gamers worldwide, and Netflix should offer an exclusive video game to succeed.
The good thing about Netflix is they have a lot of content from their vast catalog of shows and movies to pick a theme. If not, Netflix has a creative pool of writers and developers who can create a working storyline just as they do for their shows.
Include Hit Titles
Netflix won’t have a problem launching exclusive games as the streaming platform is already doing it with Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3: The Game.
However, Netflix is initially launching on mobile, so it would be a great idea to include hit titles to show gamers they’re seriously venturing into gaming. Adding popular mobile games such as Clash Royale, Clash of Clans, and Stardew Valley would be a good start.
Include a Deep Catalog
Hit titles would convince players that Netflix is serious about gaming, while exclusives would take the streaming platform to the next level. However, to prevent stalling after a few weeks, Netflix should include a variety of gaming experiences to keep the subscriber base happy.
Stay an Ad-Free Experience
Running ads during gameplay is a sure way of putting off players, and this is one of the things Netflix should avoid at all costs. Users have already paid a subscription to enjoy the games, and playing ads would ruin the experience, and it would appear like Netflix is only after money.
But Netflix is always ahead of the game and has no plans to include ads within its gaming catalog.
Get Rid of Gaming Lag
There are a lot of question marks surrounding Netflix gaming. Most people don’t know whether they’ll be streaming games or downloading to the device.
But since Netflix is the king of streaming, many people expect Netflix games to stream remotely to the smartphone. So, Netflix will have to optimize its servers to avoid lag during gameplay.
Offer Download as an Option
Offline gaming is one of the best mobile gaming experiences, and Netflix should offer it as an option. Already, Netflix allows users to download TV shows for offline viewing, which comes in handy when going for a long flight.
The streaming service should do the same and allow the installation of Netflix original games for offline gaming. This also comes in handy when the internet is down, when experiencing connection problems or when you’re using capped mobile data.
Included With the Current Subscription
There’s not a lot of information on how Netflix gaming will work, but it seems the service will come free with your current subscription. There’ll be no hidden fees or additional monthly payments.
This will be a great value addition strategy because the games will be exclusive to millions of viewers worldwide and attract new subscribers.
Offer Controller Support
Netflix should add controller support to their games to provide a triple-A gaming experience. In addition, adding controller support will make Netflix games more appealing to core gamers.
Avoid Terrible Tie-in Games
Netflix games should offer more than a promotion to the original shows or movies they’re based on. Instead, the game should be unique in its way for an improved gaming experience.
Be Consistent with Updates
In-game updates are excellent because they keep players coming back for more. There’s also an element of trust when a gaming platform is consistent with weekly game releases, software updates, and community events.
Consistent updates will help Netflix prove to everyone they’re not in it just for the money or to bolster its user base.
Support Player Feedback
Player feedback is crucial in the gaming world because it lets the players know their input is taken in by those behind their favorite games.
Fostering an avenue for players to air their views creates a strong community that can grow the userbase exponentially.
Provide a Social Component
Gaming is more than a pastime but a social activity. Therefore, Netflix should provide gamers with a way to connect with their friends with a robust multiplayer offering. Players should create user profiles, like in Netflix accounts, and connect with their friends.
Support Cross-Play with Other Gaming Services
Since Netflix might take advantage of games already available on other platforms, their gaming system should allow cross-play with other platforms. This will entice players already comfortable on other platforms to check out the Netflix catalog of games.
Have a Simple UI
Netflix has one of the best user interfaces in the world of streaming and should, therefore, do the same with gaming. The games should be laid out in categories, and the system should offer suggestions for users to find their favorite games with ease.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to be excited about with Netflix entering the gaming market. But the gaming market is highly competitive, and Netflix has a lot to do to challenge the behemoths like Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, the platform is still in the infancy stage, but these fifteen features could take Netflix to the next level.