Netflix goes display in its dedication to video video games: from the multiplayer get together to ‘Red Dead Redemption’ | Culture | EUROtoday

If on Monday it introduced its first theme park, right this moment Netflix takes one other step in its technique to turn out to be a world leisure large in any respect ranges. The firm needs to “reinvent what it is like to play together”, within the phrases of Alain Tascan, vice chairman of video video games at Netflix, who defined in Helsinki the platform’s new technique to achieve interactive leisure. The occasion served to current 4 new proprietary titles, element how the corporate intends to combine video games into its platform and clarify the philosophy of a enterprise that, with out searching for to compete with conventional consoles, additionally needs to place its flag on the earth of video video games.

Netflix started its foray into video video games in November 2021. That month, the corporate formally launched its cellular gaming part inside its app. The first titles had been comparatively modest, many developed by exterior studios or small acquisitions, and included video games based mostly on their very own collection, reminiscent of Stranger Things. The technique was consolidated when the platform purchased the Finnish studio Next Games in March 2022, together with others reminiscent of Night School Studio (creators of Oxenfree). Since then, the corporate has been increasing its catalog, providing the video games at no extra value or adverts, as a part of the final subscription to the platform. Now it’s getting ready to take the subsequent evolutionary step: with greater than 100 obtainable, it’s getting ready dozens of latest video games, 4 of which arrive right this moment on the platform direct from Helsinki.

“It is a happy moment for the studio,” summarized Saara Bergström, normal director of Next Games, within the Finnish capital, which opened its doorways to the press for the primary time. Founded in 2014 and bought by Netflix three years in the past, the studio is chargeable for titles reminiscent of The Walking Dead (earlier than being acquired by Netflix) Stranger Thingsthe latter key within the rapprochement between each corporations. “We started in a single room and today we are a multi-game studio. We remain true to our initial spirit, and Netflix lets us keep that Nordic flavor that I think our games have,” Bergström defined.

During the presentation in Helsinki, to which Netflix invited EL PAÍS, 4 new video games had been introduced, obtainable from right this moment, which mirror the completely different strains of improvement that Netflix intends to cowl: Party Crashersa holiday-style multiplayer title; Pictionary y Boggletargeted on social expertise. These three video games are designed to be performed with a number of individuals, with a cell phone and in entrance of a tv display. The fourth sport is Puzzleda brand new line of puzzles, sudocus and day by day puzzles, with integrations from widespread franchises reminiscent of Stranger Things.

But the platform does not simply need to have informal video games: the provide might be expanded on December 2 with the western Red Dead Redemptionamong the finest video games of all time (it got here out in 2010), which is able to seem with a model optimized for cellular gadgets. Also the WWE combating sport, of equal visible energy, might be obtainable on the platform, and the corporate can also be getting ready Dead’s Man Partya story title impressed by Daggers within the againwherein the movie’s personal director, Rian Johnson, will take part. Also arriving right this moment are different video games based mostly on franchises or academic themes reminiscent of LEGO Party, Tetris Time Warp o Barbie Color Creations.

“We want to push video games in new directions,” mentioned Alain Tascan, the corporate’s vice chairman of video games. “Entertainment is not just movies or series: 3 billion people in the world play games. Games tell stories, and we are one of the best at telling stories.” Tascan defined that Netflix’s purpose is to not compete with conventional consoles and computer systems, however somewhat to “complement interactive entertainment,” creating accessible experiences “as easy to play as it is to watch a movie.” The platform signifies that the gaming technique is successful, however because it does with the viewing figures (it solely provides them on uncommon events) it doesn’t reveal the variety of video games performed. “I can’t say exactly. Millions!” exclaims Tascan.

Play on any display

One of the pillars of this technique is technical integration. Users will be capable to play the video games offered in Helsinki from the tv utilizing their cell phone as a controller, scanning a QR code that may seem on the display. “We want to eliminate any friction: play whenever and wherever you want, without the need to hardware additional,” Tascan stressed. This cross-platform approach poses a technical challenge. “We are pioneers,” Bergström admitted. “There is no instruction manual for this. We live in a disruptive era in the industry, and that makes it uncomfortably exciting. We have to create, experiment and fail in the process until we get something that makes sense on its own.” Not all televisions will offer the same performance. According to Bergström, there are minimum specifications and variations in resolution depending on the model, although the market trend is favorable: “Every year new TVs appear with better capabilities, and that opens up opportunities.”

Netflix intends to divide its video game strategy into four main areas: games for children, games mainstreammultiplayer party titles (those presented in Helsinki belong to this area) and narrative proposals. Unlike other models in the sector, Netflix does not plan to monetize games outside of its platform. “We want to bring all our content together,” Tascan famous. Netflix may also not provide inside microtransactions or paid content material inside video games, at the very least at this stage. The focus is on reinforcing person loyalty and rising utilization time throughout the firm’s ecosystem. “Imagine that you simply like a collection and you’ll play its sport throughout the similar setting. We aspire for individuals to enter and keep in our universe,” explained Tascan. In that sense, the company is confident that the technical gap between consoles and mobile phones will continue to narrow. Netflix confirms that there will be localized versions for different markets, although the expansion will be gradual. This batch of games will appear first in English, and will be translated in the coming months.

The path to the total platform

The foray into video games is one more piece in the evolution of Netflix from its origins as a video store. Today, the company has more than 300 million subscribers worldwide and expects to earn more than $45 billion this year. In addition to producing and distributing its own audiovisual content, it offers live broadcasts – such as WWE fights or NFL games -, has acquired emblematic movie theaters in the United States and, recently, has opened its first theme park. In recent weeks, it has even submitted a bid to acquire Warner Bros.

Netflix reinforces its ultimate message: the way forward for leisure might be hybrid. “It’s scary, but it’s also exciting,” admits Bergström, who sums up: “We’re entering a new era of entertainment.” “We aspire to blur the border between linear and interactive content,” concludes Tascan. There it’s nothing.