Article by Marcus Siu

Now that Netflix officially announced they are retiring their iconic DVD red envelope mailing service this September after twenty five years, cementing “streaming” as the number one choice from their 250 million subscriber base from around the world, it seems they are striving other ways to “stretch the envelope” and continue to venture into a new directions.

Most of us think of Netflix as just a company that streams movies, but they are a lot more than that. They have been developing their own programming globally and are the envy of all traditional movie and TV studios since they produce their own content, as well as distribute them, as well.

In 2021, Netflix had an astounding 36 Academy Award nominations and won seven of them, which was most than any other movie studio. Netflix also won more Emmys than any other network or studio with 44 in 2021, tying CBS back in 1974. They have totally changed the way we watch TV and movies everywhere.

With all this success, most people didn’t even know that they had launched Netflix Games back in November 2021. There was not much of a marketing campaign or any fanfare to alert the public.

At this year’s Games Developer’s Conference (GDC 2023), Netflix announced that they had more games in their pipeline. They were planning to release even more games to their subscribers, though the content would still continue to only be played on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They have followed the likes of Google Play Pass and Apple Arcade.

As of late June, Netflix had released 60 games, with about 30 more slated for later this year and many more in development with their partners, as well as games currently being developed by their in-house game studios.

Netflix’s goal is to develop a broad portfolio of games for everyone’s tastes in different genres and formats. Their motto is they believe that “everyone can find joy in games if they discover the one (or many!) that is right for them.” 

Subscribers will discover indie darlings, award-winning hits, RPGs, narrative adventures, puzzle games, chess wizzes to LEGO aficionados and everything in between, and Netflix continue to work with the world’s leading studios.

One of their most-played games to date is from, Too Hot to Handle: Love is a Game, which is based on their popular unscripted dating show, Too Hot to Handle. It was a popular game when it was released alongside Season 4 of the series and stay engaged through the weekly drops of in-game episodes. A follow-up Too Hot to Handle game is expected to be released later this year.

COMING THIS SUMMER:

OXENFREE II: Lost Signals (July 12): 

From Night School, a Netflix Game Studio, OXENFREE II: Lost Signals is the mind-bending follow-up to the critically-acclaimed supernatural thriller OXENFREE. Set five years after the events of the first game, the game will take players on a gripping narrative-driven adventure featuring an all-new cast of characters and original story. OXENFREE II: Lost Signals is set to launch on July 12 on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 & 4, PC and Mac via STEAM, and exclusively for Netflix members on mobile.

The Queen’s Gambit Chess (July 25): 

Welcome to Beth Harmon’s world. Take lessons, play puzzles and matches or compete against friends in this stunning love letter to the award-winning drama. Beyond the chess board, players can meet familiar faces like Mr. Shaibel and Borgov, visit iconic locations including Beth’s house, the Methuen orphanage, the Las Vegas tournament, and more. From new beginners to chess masters, this immersive experience appeals to every type of fan. Available exclusively for Netflix members. 

Cut the Rope Daily (August 1):

The legendary Om Nom is back — and craving candy! In this new twist on the classic Cut the Rope game that has been downloaded more than 1.6 billion times, players will cut rope, collect stars and pop balloons to feed the beloved green monster with a sweet tooth in this puzzle game featuring physics-based gameplay. For the first time ever, Cut the Rope Daily offers a new puzzle to solve every day. Available exclusively for Netflix members.

LEGO® Legacy: Heroes Unboxed (Coming Soon):

LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed lets players collect and playfully battle with more than 50 characters from over 40 years of LEGO minifigure history. Bringing together characters old and new, this game gives LEGO fans a new way to play with the characters that they know and love. Build imaginative sets and assemble a team of familiar faces — from Hot Dog Man to Princess Argenta and more — to immerse yourself in a world full of action in this strategic battle RPG. Available exclusively for Netflix members.

Paper Trail (Coming Soon):

Paper Trail is a top-down puzzle adventure about leaving home, set in a paper world. Players must fold their way through a diverse, populated paper universe. As players progress, new gameplay opportunities emerge, enhanced by the folding mechanics. Featuring fun and engaging characters and beautiful worlds to explore, this indie gem has already won more than 10 awards. Available exclusively on mobile for Netflix members. Also coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 & 4, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. 

Maybe one day, we will be able to see their games along with their TV shows and movies on their streaming platform. However, it might take awhile for that to happen.