Netflix Ventures into Cloud Gaming: A New Frontier for Entertainment
No more PlayStation beep alerting the whole family when you want to have a quiet gaming session.
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In a bold move that marks its continued expansion into the realm of video gaming, internet streaming giant Netflix has unveiled its latest endeavor: a “limited beta test” of a remote play cloud gaming service. We’re excited to see Netflix Venture into Cloud Gaming.
This innovative service is currently being made available exclusively to a select group of broadband users in the United Kingdom and Canada who are using specific TVs.
Netflix to test remote play cloud gaming service
Over the years, numerous companies, and even a few broadband ISPs like ZYBRE, have ventured into the world of cloud-based video gaming.
These services allow gamers to play remotely by streaming games over their home broadband connections, eliminating the need for downloading the entire game onto local devices. However, many of these attempts have failed, with services like Onlive and Google Stadia struggling to attract a sustainable user base.
However, Netflix possesses a significant advantage that sets it apart – a vast and well-established customer base. This pre-existing audience offers Netflix a strong foundation as it forays into the gaming space.
Netflix’s initial foray into gaming took place in 2021 when they introduced a selection of basic mobile games for iOS and Android users. Prior to that, the company had experimented with interactive TV shows such as “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.”
Building upon these early tests, Netflix’s current cloud gaming trial aims to expand its gaming offerings even further. Their objective is to make cloud gaming accessible across a multitude of devices including televisions, computers, and mobile devices. As of right now, the beta test is in its infancy and has limited support.
Supported devices
Scheduled to launch in the coming weeks, the beta test will initially be accessible to PC and Mac users through Netflix’s website, utilizing “supported browsers” (though specifics remain undisclosed). Gamers can control their gameplay using a keyboard and mouse, and even use their smartphones as controllers for TV or display output. The initial selection of supported devices includes:
- Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Players
- Chromecast with Google TV
- LG TVs
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Roku devices and TVs
- Samsung Smart TVs
- Walmart ONN.
During its initial phase, the beta test will offer two games to evaluate the service’s performance. “Oxenfree,” developed by Night School Studio and a title known to users of Netflix’s mobile gaming service will be featured alongside “Molehew’s Mining Adventure,” a gem-mining arcade game.
Although these titles may not rival modern triple AAA games in complexity, it is crucial to remember that this is a mere test phase, and Netflix’s ultimate ambitions in the gaming realm remain uncertain.
Broadband requirements
While specific broadband speed requirements have not been divulged, it is reasonable to assume that sticking to Netflix’s general video streaming recommendations is a safe approach. For instance, for a smooth streaming experience, a minimum of 3Mbps is recommended for 720p HD video quality, 5Mbps for full 1080p HD, and 15Mbps for 4K resolution.
As Netflix embarks on this exciting journey into cloud gaming, entertainment may never be the same again. The future holds the promise of an enhanced, immersive gaming experience that seamlessly integrates with the streaming giant’s existing content offerings.
While the road ahead is uncertain, one thing is clear: Netflix’s entrance into the cloud gaming arena has the potential to reshape how we consume and interact with digital entertainment.
