Netflix launched the first public beta for its cloud gaming services. The streaming company launched Netflix Games in 2021 and released an official Netflix Game Controller iOS app last week. While the app’s release foreshadowed the next step in Netflix’s cloud gaming ambitions, the beta’s launch is still a big surprise.
Netflix’s VP of gaming, Mike Verdu, announced the beta in a blog post earlier today, August 14. The cloud gaming beta is available now for a limited number of subscribers in the UK and Canada. Verdu’s post did not specify how many people will be able to participate. However, subscribers with compatible devices have an opportunity to play two games right now. Available games include Night School Studio’s 2016 hit Oxenfree and a new arcade gem-mining game called Molehew’s Mining Adventure. The beta begins today and runs for the next few weeks, though the announcement doesn’t specify an exact end date.
Netflix Games streaming is available for select users and devices
PC and Mac users who visit Netflix.com can play both games with a mouse and keyboard. Meanwhile, the Netflix Controller app lets users play them on select TVs and devices. Compatible devices include Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield TV, Walmart ONN, Roku devices and smart TVs, and LG and Samsung smart TVs. The announcement also stated that Netflix plans to add additional supported devices.
According to Verdu, Netflix’s goal is to let subscribers enjoy a smooth and accessible gaming service everywhere they already use Netflix. While subscribers can already enjoy Netflix Games on mobile devices, this beta marks a significant step toward Netflix’s gaming ambitions. Still, the company has very far to go, and Verdu acknowledges this is one part of a much longer process.
