Highlights
- Netflix now lets subscribers play games directly on smart TVs using their smartphones as controllers.
- Available games include Boggle Party, LEGO Party!, Party Crashers, Pictionary, and Tetris Time Warp.
- This move marks Netflix’s push to become a multi-entertainment platform.
- TV gaming is live in select regions with global rollout planned soon.
Caption – (Photo by Thibault Penin on Unsplash)
Netflix is officially bringing its gaming experience to smart TVs, marking a major step in the company’s expansion beyond streaming. Netflix subscribers can now play games directly on their television from this week. All they have to do is use their smartphone as a controller, a feature that has been in development for quite some time.
Now Play Games On Netflix
Since debuting its mobile games four years ago, Netflix’s approach to gaming has evolved considerably. The addition of TV gaming highlights the company’s renewed commitment to becoming a serious player in the gaming space, aiming to compete not only with mobile gaming platforms but also with major console and cloud gaming companies.
Alongside this rollout, Netflix also announced a new lineup of party-focused games designed for group play, perfect for family or friends gatherings.
To get started, users simply need to open the Netflix app on their TV, navigate to the “Games” tab, select a title, and pair their smartphone to use as the controller.
Caption – Game titles you can now play on Netflix. (Image credit – Netflix blog)
Here are the five titles now available –
- Boggle Party – Up to eight players race against the clock to find words in a scrambled letter grid.
- LEGO Party! – Four players face off in mini-games and creative challenges.
- Party Crashers – Fool Your Friends: One player secretly doesn’t know what’s happening, while others must uncover who the “crasher” is through clues.
- Pictionary – Game Night: A digital spin on the classic drawing game where players must guess the illustration before time runs out.
- Tetris Time Warp – Compete with friends for the highest score in this twist on the classic puzzle game.
A Strategic Move Toward Group Play
Focusing on party-style games is clearly a strategic decision for Netflix. It encourages social engagement and keeps users entertained even when they’re not watching movies or TV shows. It’s part of the company’s broader plan to make Netflix a multi-entertainment platform rather than just a streaming service.
Netflix recently outlined its four-category gaming strategy, which includes an emphasis on party titles like the one announced now.
Reports about Netflix’s gaming ambitions for TVs first surfaced in early 2023. Initial rumours were followed by the launch of a game controller app for iOS devices later that year. Since then, updates on the feature have been scarce until now. The rollout confirms Netflix’s next big move in its gaming strategy.
For now, the new TV gaming feature and party games are available on select smart TVs in specific countries. But Netflix has confirmed plans to expand availability globally in the coming months.
FAQs
Q1. How can I play games on Netflix using my smart TV?
Answer. Open the Netflix app on your smart TV, go to the “Games” tab, select a title, and pair your smartphone to use it as a controller.
Q2. What party games are currently available on Netflix?
Answer. Netflix offers five party games: Boggle Party, LEGO Party!, Party Crashers, Pictionary, and Tetris Time Warp, designed for fun group play.
Q3. Is Netflix’s TV gaming feature available worldwide?
Answer. Not yet. The feature is currently available on select smart TVs in specific countries, with plans to expand globally in the coming months.