Netflix may be testing the waters for TV-based gaming, according to reports from developer Steve Moser. Hidden code found within the Netflix app makes references to games played on TV screens and suggests the possibility of using phones as game controllers.
The code reportedly features a message that reads: “A game on your TV needs a controller to play. Do you want to use this phone as a game controller?” Moser previously uncovered hints about Netflix’s ad-supported plan, which turned out to be accurate.
Netflix launched its gaming experience for mobile devices in 2021 on Android, iPhones, and iPads. However, due to Apple and Google’s rules, mobile users need to download the games from the App Store or Google Play. These games can be launched from within the Netflix app, and a subscription is required to access them. But, Netflix has not yet introduced games for TV screens.
It is unclear how Netflix plans to introduce gaming on TVs, and whether or not users will need to download the games before playing them.
In 2022, Netflix’s Vice President of Game Development, Mike Verdu, revealed that the company was seriously exploring a cloud gaming service and that it aims to offer more than just casual games for TVs.
For the moment, Netflix users can only access the limited gaming catalog available on mobile devices. Currently, Netflix offers around 55 games, but the company plans to add 40 more games to its library in 2023.
