Netflix Games to take on Xbox Cloud Gaming by expanding to TVs

Netflix Games, from the world’s famous streaming entertainment service, is taking on Xbox Cloud Gaming by expanding to TVs.

In a limited beta test that began today on October 16, 2023, Netflix subscribers in Canada, the UK, and the US can now play Netflix games on select TVs from Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, LG, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku, Samsung, and Walmart ONN. 

“Our goal has always been to have a game for everyone, and we are working hard to meet members where they are with an accessible, smooth, and ubiquitous service,” says the company’s VP, Mike Verdu, in the official announcement.

To play Netflix games on TV, subscribers will need to use their phones as controllers. They can also play on PCs and Macs with a keyboard and mouse.

The initial beta test includes two games: Oxenfree from Night School Studio, a Netflix Game Studio, and Molehew’s Mining Adventure, a gem-mining arcade game. 

The streaming giant also plans to add more devices “on an ongoing basis.” 

“By making games available on more devices, we hope to make games even easier to play for our members around the world. While we’re still very early in our games journey, we’re excited to bring joy to members with games,” the announcement reads.