What to expect from Netflix's gaming service. Image credit: AdobeStock
Netflix’s streaming service was revolutionary when it was announced, but after a few years there are now dozens of different streaming platforms consumers can choose from and Netflix has struggled to maintain its place in the competitive market.
Although the launch of a Netflix gaming streaming service potentially heralds a new frontier in the media industry, it remains to be seen how popular it will be. It is possible that gaming streaming will not catch on, or that gamers will have specific preferences that Netflix and other, similar streaming platforms are unable to meet. That being said, gaming streaming services could be the start of a new media revolution.
In a report from Bloomberg, the Netflix gaming service is expected to be launched around mid-April of 2022 – according to industry insiders and gossip. It is difficult to say when exactly the launch will be because a specific date has not been officially announced.
It is possible that Netflix will decide to announce the date of the launch during a prominent media tradeshow, such as the Games Developers Conference, or GDC, or the E3 conference. If the service is ready, it is likely that Netflix will try to launch it before Christmas so that consumers will consider a subscription package during gift-giving season.
One of the major benefits of streaming services is the fact that subscriptions are, on average, much lower than buying the media or services individually. If you had to buy box sets or DVDs for every television series and movie you watch…well, it would probably be very expensive. On top of that, streaming allows you to avoid storing huge data files on your device and thus slowing it down.
Following this logic, the Netflix gaming streaming service should be priced in such a way that it makes financial sense for individuals to purchase a subscription rather than buy the individual games themselves. According to the same Bloomberg article, executives at Netflix are not yet planning on charging customers any extra for gaming streaming services – instead, the cost will likely be factored into the monthly subscription.
The current Netflix pricing plans range from Basic to Standard to Premium, and range in price from £5.99 / AU$10.99 to £13.99 / AU$19.99. The Xbox Live Gold product costs $59.99 for a year’s access, or $10.99 if paying monthly. Taking these prices into consideration, the Netflix pricing plans look extremely competitive.
According to market reports, the initial push from Netflix is to focus on mobile gaming, after which the company will start expanding to other gaming options. There is also a possibility that in the future, Netflix could create its own games, just as it has created its own television and films.
The streaming industry has grown in popularity over the course of the last few years and so has the popularity of streaming platforms, such as Twitch, that are specifically designed for gamers. Social streaming and gaming options have grown increasingly popular and many companies are taking note.
Another industry that is growing and innovating just as quickly as streaming is the online gambling sector. The online gambling industry has grown exponentially and there are now hundreds of different online casinos competing for the attention of gamblers.
One of the most popular genres of games found on online casinos such as Rizk Casino UK is live dealer and live casino games. Live dealer games involve a livestream of a dealer who is located either at a casino or in their home. From there, the dealer is able to deal cards to a number of different gamblers who are all playing virtually. The live dealer live streams allow for a type of social gaming to develop, and give gamblers a chance to play casino table games from the comfort of their own homes.
When Netflix announced that it would be offering gaming streaming services, heads turned and people began to wonder what was next for all streaming services. However, it remains to be seen whether or not gaming can actually successfully transition to streaming platforms.
The one thing that is guaranteed is that streaming services will continue to innovate and launch new, interesting platforms and products in order to capture the mercurial interests of consumers.