Netflix trials TV games with mobile phones as controllers

Based on code inside its app that developer Steve Moser provided with Bloomberg, Netflix may have begun (or is seeking to begin) testing games for TV. Moser allegedly discovered secret code referencing television-played games, as well as further code indicating the potential of using phones as controllers to play them. One statement from the app seems to read: “A controller is required to play a game on your television. Would you want to utilise your phone as a gaming controller?” Moser had previously discovered signs that the service’s then-upcoming ad-supported plan would not include offline viewing. He proved to be correct.

In 2021, the streaming behemoth will debut its gaming experience for Android, iPhones, and iPads. According to Apple and Google’s regulations, mobile players must download games via the App Store or Google Play. Nevertheless, since the goal of these activities is to enhance engagement and retention, they can only be accessed via the Netflix app and need a current membership. These games are noticeably missing from the Netflix app for TV.

It remains to be seen how the business aims to deploy gaming on Televisions, as well as if customers will be required to download the games before they can play them. Netflix VP of game development Mike Verdu, on the other hand, said last year that the firm is “seriously researching a cloud gaming product” and plans to introduce more than simply casual games for television.

Users will have to make do with what is accessible on mobile for the time being. Now, Netflix has roughly 55 titles accessible, but it plans to release 40 additional games during 2023.