Beginning this week, Netflix users can now enjoy games on their smart TVs—a capability that has been anticipated for quite a while. Rumors about Netflix bringing its mobile games to television screens surfaced in early 2023. Later that year, the company introduced a game controller application for iOS.
Until recently, there was little information about gaming on larger screens, but it appears the feature has finally arrived.
To try out this new option, simply navigate to the Games section in the Netflix TV app, select a game, and use your smartphone as the controller.
Since Netflix entered the mobile gaming space four years ago, its approach has been somewhat experimental. The latest development, however, signals a stronger push into gaming, positioning Netflix to better compete with established video game companies, not just those in the mobile sector.
With this announcement, Netflix also introduced a lineup of new games, all designed for group play.
The new titles are:
- Boggle Party: Up to eight participants race against the clock to discover words within a jumbled grid of letters.
- LEGO Party!: Four players face off in a series of minigames and challenges.
- Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends: At this gathering, one guest is clueless about the topic. Players must spot misleading hints to reveal the imposter.
- Pictionary: Game Night: Inspired by the classic party game, players draw while friends try to guess the image before time is up.
- Tetris Time Warp: Compete with friends to achieve the highest score.
Introducing games that focus on group participation is a strategic choice for Netflix, as it encourages more users to get involved. It also keeps subscribers engaged with the platform, even when they’re not streaming shows or films.
These five new games are part of Netflix’s updated gaming approach, which now emphasizes four main categories, including party games.
Currently, these games are accessible on certain TV models in select regions, with Netflix planning to broaden their reach in the future.