Netflix Games: More cringe than binge for a mediocre launch
Los Gatos, California - Embarrassingly feeble, out of touch, and repeating the same mistakes of other game streaming services – it's safe to say the Netflix Games launch wasn't a big success.
Netflix is aiming to barge its way into the mobile gaming industry, but it basically dislocated its shoulder at the first attempt – that's how weak the streaming service's entry into gaming is.
Since November 2, your Netflix subscription gives you access to games on your app store. First off, the launch only applied to Android users, snubbing Apple users. But if you are on iOS, you aren't missing much, just Stranger Things: 1984, Stranger Things 3: The Game, Shooting Hoops, Teeter, and Card Blast.
Netflix is touting two old and crusty nostalgia trips alongside three mind-numbingly boring games as its "New Way to Experience Entertainment on Mobile."
The only new thing is that you'll be paying a subscription to play ad-free mobile games, instead of just buying the games on an app store. At least you'll be able to share access across shared accounts, which might be the only redeeming quality of the launch.
No serious titles, no success
The launch is a disappointing flop, especially after the hype over Netflix acquiring indie developer Night School Studio. The studio is still working on Oxenfree 2, but waiting for it to spice up Netflix Games' launch day apparently wasn't an option.
That's a shame, because anything that resembles a full product, instead of five limping excuses for games, would have helped the streaming service shine on release day.
No big titles to draw gamers, and only a handful of feeble mobile titles show that Netflix didn't heed the warnings from failed game streaming services like Google's Stadia, which lacked enough high-quality and exclusive titles to be relevant.
The only thing that can save Netflix Games now is the addition of new, good, and unique games.
Cover photo: IMAGO / NurPhoto