Online video streaming platform Netflix is allegedly looking to expand into the video gaming business and is searching to recruit an executive to lead a possible video game division.
A position to fulfil
On Friday, the subscription-based news website The Information reported that Netflix was looking to hire an executive to oversee an expansion into videogames and has recently approached multiple gaming executives in the past month.
A decision motivated by its desire to step up “its efforts to grow beyond traditional filmed entertainment (…) as streaming competition intensifies”, says the article.
The publication also claims that Netflix has been in talks with several “veteran game industry executives” about taking up the position.
In addition, reports add that the US platform is allegedly looking at launching a “bundle” video game service like Apple’s online subscription offering, Apple Arcade, as an option.
Netflix has since then, released a statement in which it seemed to confirm its intention to expand into video games.
“Our members value the variety and quality of our content. It’s why we’ve continually expanded our offering – from series to documentaries, film, local language originals and reality TV (…) So we’re excited to do more with interactive entertainment”.
The move comes at a time when the video gaming industry has benefited from a surge in demand from gamers staying at home during the pandemic.
Past indications
The above information and reports are admittedly minimal, but it’s been clear over the past few years that the company is interested in new interactive mediums
Netflix has notably produced games before, with third-party developers, based on its Stranger Things series: a Stranger Things mobile game, Stranger Things 3: The Game, and La Casa de Papel (Money Heist).
It has experimented with interactive programming in the past with movies such as “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” and “You vs. Wild” that enabled viewers to decide the characters’ moves.
