Netflix is diversifying its content offerings by adding video games to its platform, marking a significant shift from its core business of streaming movies and TV shows.
The streaming giant has introduced popular games like "Dead Cells," "Hades," "Oxenfree," "Braid," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge," indicating a focus on quality and well-known titles.
These games, particularly "Dead Cells" and "Hades," are designed for a more intense gaming experience and are best played with a controller, suggesting that Netflix is targeting serious gamers in addition to casual players.
By adding these games to its service, Netflix is increasing the value of its subscription plans, which are priced between P149 and P549, offering more entertainment options to its subscribers.
This move into the gaming sector represents a strategic diversification for Netflix, potentially transforming the platform into a more comprehensive digital entertainment hub.
Netflix wants you to chill in Hades
Expanding beyond original series, Netflix Nnw offers popular games like Dead Cells, Hades, and more
At a glance
Netflix is expanding through videogames. At first when they first announced it some time ago, I assumed they meant mobile games that require subscriptions or paid purchases. Or games tied into their original series, like that pretty cool Stranger Things game. And for a time, it was just that. But the streaming giant’s recent actions are proving it’s something grander and more ambitious.
They’ve recently added Dead Cells, a fast-paced roguelite game that is best played with a controller, otherwise no matter how tough your phone screen is, it’s gonna shatter all over the place. That game alone sends a message on how serious Netflix is when bringing games into its platform.
And now we have Hades. Another fast-paced roguelite game that is best played with a controller, otherwise, you got it, can shatter your screen to infinity for its intense gameplay. There is nothing chill in this game, unless it’s all cool for you to die and repeat.
Which seems to make sense with Netflix’s strategy here. You launch the game, play for a couple of minutes on your phone, and when you die, no biggie, you may gain some new permanent upgrades you can use for the next time you play again someday. If you look at it that way, it is pretty chill.
Besides Hades, Netflix has brought in other big name games from PC and consoles, namely Oxenfree and even Braid. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, a big hit in both classic arcade beat ‘em ups and hits the nostalgia of the ‘80s cartoon (also acting as a pseudo-sequel to the cartoon, it seems) was a big surprise when it came over to Netflix.
For those who will get a chance to play the game for the first time, in Hades, you play as Zagreus, who is trying to escape Hades. You enter room after room, engaging in glorious combat against a horde of enemies, picking up a couple of temporary upgrades and some that will allow permanent ones along the way. You die, you start from the beginning. It’s insanity, I know. And it’s fun.
Netflix is priced between P149 to P549. If this move with Hades proves a successful one, I wonder what other games will Netflix bring on its platform.