Netflix to Introduce Games on TV Platform Following Smartphone Launch: Report

Netflix is reportedly expanding its gaming offerings from smartphones to TV platforms, signaling a major step in its ambition to become a comprehensive entertainment hub. Previously, Netflix games like Squid Game: Unleashed and Cut the Rope Daily were limited to iPhone and Android devices, but the new initiative allows users to play directly on smart TVs using their smartphones as controllers.

Netflix TV Gaming: How It Works

According to Bloomberg, Netflix plans to offer games that are social and multiplayer-friendly on TV. Popular titles include Boggle Party, Pictionary: Game Night, Tetris Time Warp, and Lego Party.

To play, users must have a smart TV or use streaming devices such as Roku. Players can use their smartphones as controllers by scanning a QR code displayed on the TV screen, making gameplay accessible and interactive for groups of family or friends.

This approach emphasizes social gaming experiences on the main entertainment screen, reflecting Netflix’s strategy to leverage the TV as a central hub for interactive entertainment.

Evolving from Streaming to Entertainment Hub

Netflix aims to move beyond being just a streaming service by integrating games into its platform. Bloomberg notes that while many people already have their preferred gaming platforms, Netflix is attempting to attract users through unique and engaging experiences.

Initially, Netflix offered free mobile games to draw users, but the response was limited. The company is now focusing on four core categories:

1. Children’s games

2. Party-style multiplayer titles

3. Popular franchise-based games like Grand Theft Auto

4. Games inspired by Netflix originals, such as Stranger Things

Each title in the first batch of TV games is free to play, ensuring accessibility for all subscribers without additional costs.

Alain Tascan, head of Netflix’s gaming division, stated:
"To entertain the world, we must include games. A lot of companies have a lot of users, but not that many have all these people on the main entertainment screen at home, the TV."

This reflects Netflix’s ambition to combine gaming with its streaming content and reach audiences in new, interactive ways.

Netflix Gaming Service Background

Netflix first launched its gaming service for mobile devices in November 2021, providing subscribers with a library of ad-free games accessible on smartphones and tablets. The service was part of Netflix’s broader strategy to enhance subscriber engagement beyond movies and TV shows.

With this new TV expansion, Netflix is advancing the next phase of its plan: to make the TV not just a screen for watching shows, but a central hub for entertainment, including interactive games.

By leveraging the social nature of multiplayer games and integrating them with its streaming platform, Netflix hopes to encourage longer engagement times, attract families, and create a new form of interactive entertainment for subscribers.

Technical Requirements and Accessibility

To play Netflix games on TV, users will need:

• A smart TV or compatible streaming device (e.g., Roku)

• A smartphone to serve as a controller

• QR code scanning capability to link the phone with the TV

This setup is designed to be user-friendly, allowing players to participate in group gaming experiences without requiring additional consoles or gaming peripherals.

Future of Netflix as an Entertainment Hub

The move to TV gaming aligns with Netflix’s vision of becoming a one-stop entertainment platform. By combining streaming content with gaming experiences, Netflix can appeal to both casual viewers and interactive game enthusiasts.

As Netflix expands its game library for TVs, it may eventually explore exclusive game titles linked to popular series, creating a synergistic entertainment ecosystem. This integration could redefine how audiences interact with content at home.

Conclusion

Netflix’s introduction of TV gaming marks a significant evolution in the company’s strategy, expanding from mobile games to living room entertainment. With free-to-play multiplayer titles, smartphone controllers, and a focus on social gaming experiences, Netflix is positioning itself as a full-fledged entertainment hub, bridging the gap between streaming and interactive content.