Netflix Soft-Launched its Gaming Service Today

Starting today, select Netflix members will be able to download games for free with their subscription. Unfortunately, members in the US have to wait a bit to get their hands on free games. Right now, only Netflix Poland subscribers can download two Android games free of charge, Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3. The Netflix Geeked Twitter account added that games installed with a Netflix subscription will have “no ads and no in-app purchases.”

The company promises that it got a lot of work to do in the months ahead to improve the service. There’s still no news regarding when the Netflix gaming service will reach other regions and when will it includes other gaming platforms.

This plan has been known since July this year when the streaming giant announced it wanted to get involved with the video game industry and was looking for someone to fill a “Director of Product Innovation, Interactive” position. Judging from the job description, many assume Netflix has plans other than simply adding free games to its subscription plans. It may be looking to make other interactive shows similar to Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Running Wild with Bear Grylls as well.

Let’s talk Netflix and gaming.

Today members in Poland can try Netflix mobile gaming on Android with two games, Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3. It’s very, very early days and we’ve got a lot of work to do in the months ahead, but this is the first step. https://t.co/yOl44PGY0r

— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) August 26, 2021

After the announcement, the popular gaming streamer Dr. Disrespect reportedly expressed his desire to work together with Netflix for this initiative. The YouTube personality is said to be a huge fan of the streaming service and is excited about the streaming giant’s plans in the industry. However, some fans aren’t happy since it could be used as a justification for another subscription price hike. Like Twitter user @banbackwoods who replied, “Stop raising the prices,” to Netflix Geeked’s announcement tweet. The company recently raised the subscription cost from $12.99 to $13.99 in February.

Do you think Netflix’s attempt at getting into the gaming industry by providing free games will be able to compete with Google Stadia, Amazon Luna, or even Microsoft’s Game Pass programs? Let us know what you think of this in the comments below and stay tuned at The Nerd Stash for more nerd and gaming updates.