Netflix Debuts Five Games on Android for Global Subscribers

Netflix has released its first slate of mobile games. Available to the global Android market, the inaugural five titles are “Stranger Things: 1984” and “Stranger Things 3: The Game,” both developed by Texas-based BonusXP; “Shooting Hoops” and “Teeter (Up)” from Vancouver-headquartered Frosty Pop; and “Card Blast,” created by England-based Amuzo in conjunction with L.A.’s Rogue Games. The titles were released Tuesday for download on Google Play, then began rolling out on the streamer’s app. Netflix is offering the games as a value-added for subscribers, without advertising or in-app solicitation.

Netflix in July announced plans to enter the games sector, and in October purchased mobile developer Night School Studio. “Whether you’re craving a casual game you can start from scratch or an immersive experience that lets you dig deeper into your favorite stories, we want to begin to build a library of games that offers something for everyone,” said Netflix VP of game development Mike Verdu.

Only the two “Stranger Things” entries are based on original Netflix program content. “Stranger Things 3: The Game” is described by Variety as “a companion game to Season 3 of the show, letting you play through familiar events from the series.”

“Stranger Things: 1984” is described as “a stylized, retro action adventure similar to the arcade games from the ’80s, letting players solve puzzles and collect Eggos and gnomes along the way.”

Although some of the mobile games could require an Internet connection, others are available to download for offline play, the company explained in a press release. Netflix is also making the games available in many of the languages offered on the service.

Variety quoted Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings saying that the company’s end game is not necessarily about developing a separate profit unit, but “enhancing the big service that we have. We’re a one-product company with a bunch of supporting elements that help that product be an incredible satisfaction for consumers and a monetizing engine for investors.”

Netflix says it will soon make its games available for iOS.

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