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Netflix is taking its gaming ambitions to the next level by developing features that enable users to play mobile games with each other and compete on leaderboards. The company has quietly rolled out the ability for users to create unique "game handles" in a subset of its mobile games, including Into The Breach, Bowling Ballers, Mahjong Solitaire, and Heads Up!. This move suggests that Netflix is looking beyond simply making mobile games available to its subscribers, aiming instead to encourage engagement and participation through social features.
A Sneak Peek into Netflix’s Gaming Ambitions
References uncovered in the Netflix app point to expanded gaming ambitions, including the ability for users to invite others to play games with them. This feature is likely one of the ways Netflix aims to attract and retain subscribers by providing a more engaging experience.
While Netflix has confirmed that it’s exploring various gaming features, the company couldn’t provide details on which features would be publicly rolled out to users or when they would occur.
"We are always looking to improve our member’s experience on the service and are exploring different features to enrich the Netflix mobile games experience," said Kumiko Hidaka, a Netflix spokesperson. "We don’t have anything else to share at this time."
Creating Unique Game Handles
Users can set up a unique public name for playing games on Netflix by creating a "game handle." This feature was first tested in Into The Breach starting on July 19, 2022, and has since been expanded to other titles.
According to the code in the app, game handles will be used when users play with others, and they will not see each other’s profile icon and name. However, they can invite members to play with them and represent themselves across Netflix Games.
The addition of social components is a significant step towards making Netflix a more engaging platform for its subscribers. While the company hasn’t seen outsized demand for its mobile games, it’s clear that Netflix wants to provide users with a more immersive experience.
Leaderboards: A Key Feature in Competitive Gaming
References uncovered in the app suggest that Netflix plans to allow users to see where they rank on leaderboards. This feature is likely to be a key component of competitive gaming, as users will be able to compare their skills and compete with others.
The code states that the game handles will be used when playing with other members, indicating that Netflix aims to create a more social experience for its subscribers.
A Strategic Move or a Misstep?
While Netflix has taken a significant step towards making its mobile games more engaging, some question whether the company’s move into gaming is a strategic error. The streamer’s premise seems to be that it needs to provide users with a more immersive experience to attract and retain subscribers.
However, others argue that the company’s focus on gaming may be a misstep, as it may detract from its core business of providing high-quality content.
Conclusion
Netflix’s expansion into gaming is a significant move towards creating a more engaging platform for its subscribers. The addition of social features, such as game handles and leaderboards, suggests that the company wants to provide users with a more immersive experience.
While some question whether this move is a strategic error or a misstep, it’s clear that Netflix aims to make its mobile games more appealing to its subscribers. Whether this will ultimately lead to increased engagement and retention remains to be seen.
