Netflix is making waves in the gaming world, with reports of potential talks with Rockstar, the creators of Grand Theft Auto, coming out recently. This intriguing move is part of Netflix's broader plan to strengthen its gaming offerings, even if it means stepping into a market traditionally dominated by gaming giants.
Netflix, a well-known streaming service, is eyeing the world of video games. They've been in talks with Rockstar, the creators of Grand Theft Auto (GTA), according to reports from the Washington Street Journal. While it might seem unusual for a streaming giant to enter the gaming scene, it's part of their efforts to expand their gaming offerings.
GTA Mobile Game Potentially Coming To Netflix Games
Netflix already allows its members to download a selection of mobile games through Netflix Games. In addition, they're planning to create big-budget adaptations of popular shows like Squid Game and Wednesday and are currently gearing up to produce AAA games. This push into gaming doesn't stop there, though.
They've recently discussed collaborating with Take-Two, the company behind the hit GTA franchise. However, it's not entirely clear if they're planning to release a new GTA title or make existing ones, like Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, available to their subscribers.
For Netflix, getting any Rockstar titles on their platform would be a significant achievement. Their streaming service might not be a traditional gaming console, but they're actively exploring streaming technology to bring high-quality games to people without top-tier gaming hardware.
At the moment, their games primarily use smartphones as an input method, which might make it challenging to attract traditional console players. Nevertheless, Netflix's move into gaming is something Sony and other gaming industry giants are closely watching. Anything that lures players away from PlayStation is a potential concern for them.
Why Netflix Wants GTA
As part of their expansion into gaming, Netflix has been acquiring studios and talent. They've brought on studios like Night School Studio, Spry Fox, and Next Games, responsible for games based on the hit show "Stranger Things." Grand Theft Auto is among the game franchises they've considered licensing from Rockstar, indicating a desire to add well-known video game titles to their growing library.
While less than one percent of Netflix subscribers play games daily, the number of game downloads has more than doubled in the past year, reaching 70.5 million downloads. Netflix offers a diverse collection of downloadable games with some standout titles like Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon, Kentucky Route Zero, Immortality, Oxenfree 2, and Terra Nil. The challenge now is convincing users that these games are worth their time and that they can be enjoyable on a mobile screen.
In addition to acquiring existing studios, Netflix has established its own studio, led by former Overwatch executive producer Chacko Sonny. They're working on a triple-A PC game, likely a shooter built using the Unreal Engine. Netflix is also experimenting with game streaming, currently in a beta phase, allowing users in the UK and Canada to stream games to their PC or mobile devices.
Netflix is certainly making bold moves to expand into the world of gaming, and while their success remains to be seen, their interest in Grand Theft Auto is a clear indicator that they're aiming for the big leagues in the gaming industry.