Netflix is letting users play games on their TV screens

Starting this week, Netflix subscribers can play games on their smart TV — a feature that has been in the works for some time. Reports about Netflix’s efforts to bring its mobile games to televisions began in early 2023. Later that year, the company launched a game controller app for iOS devices.

However, there hadn’t been much word about gaming on the big screen until now, but it looks like the wait is finally over.

To use the new feature, go to the Games tab on the Netflix TV app, then pick a game and use your phone as the controller.

Since launching mobile games four years ago, Netflix’s strategy has been somewhat varied. However, the recent move indicates a more serious commitment to expanding its gaming offerings, helping it compete more directly with major video game companies, beyond just mobile gaming rivals.

Alongside the announcement, Netflix revealed the new slate of games it’s launching, all of which are party titles meant to be played in groups. 

These include:

• Boggle Party: Up to eight players are timed to find words in a scrambled letter grid.
• LEGO Party!: Four players compete in minigames and challenges to earn gold.
• Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends: One person at this party secretly has no idea what everyone else is talking about. Figure out whose clues are fishy to unmask the crasher. 
• Pictionary: Game Night: Based on the classic group game, friends must guess what you’re drawing before time runs out. 
• Tetris Time Warp: Compete against friends for the best score.

Launching group-focused games is a smart move for Netflix because it encourages more customers to participate. It also means users will stay engaged with the streaming service, even when they’re not watching a TV series or movie.

The addition of the five titles follows Netflix’s recent insight into its current gaming strategy, which will now focus on four types of games, including party titles.

The games are currently available on select TV screens in specific countries, and Netflix plans to expand their availability over time.