Netflix has made another big stride toward mobile gaming as it tests game handles for users in the process of developing features that would allow its user base to play its mobile games with one another and competitively rank themselves on gaming leaderboards on the platform.
The streaming giant launched the feature for users to create unique “game handles” in the subset of its mobile games, including Into The Breach, Bowling Ballers, Mahjong Solitaire, and Heads Up!. Notably, some of the references on the Netflix app hint at further expansion in the gaming sector as the users might be handed the ability to invite other users to play games and rank on leaderboards, among other innovative features.
One of the leading streaming companies in the world confirmed its exploration of various gaming features in a statement provided to TechCrunch but did not reveal any major details beyond that of the game handles, which would be publicly rolled out to users, or when that would take place.
“We are always looking to improve our member’s experience on the service and are exploring different features to enrich the Netflix mobile games experience. We don’t have anything else to share at this time,” Netflix spokesperson Kumiko Hidaka said.
Netflix ventures into cloud-based gaming to establish itself in the gaming sector
Earlier, according to a report by Protocol, the streaming giants were looking to explore the avenues of cloud-based gaming with the aim of launching at least 50 fresh gaming titles, especially targeting the younger generation, by the end of the year in a bid to establish themselves in the online gaming sector.
“Cloud gaming makes a lot of sense for Netflix. Not only would it allow the company to bring its games to the TV screen without having to rely on game consoles alone, the cloud is also an environment Netflix is very familiar with,” the report mentioned.
Notably, Netflix had stepped up its activities in the gaming sector since November last year as they rolled out fresh games in between show releases to engage the audience via its streaming platform.