Computer testing will be launched soon, but in the meantime, a few subscribers in the UK and Canada can try out what Netflix is up to, for example, to compete against Xbox Cloud Gaming (=xCloud).

Netflix is looking to make inroads in the games industry and is now looking at running games from the cloud. Still, only a limited number of subscribers in two countries can test the solution on certain TVs and devices, which will support web browsers via the Netflix website in a few weeks. (If we had to guess, we’d need Chromium-based browsers, so all significant programs other than Mozilla Firefox, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Opera, will be supported.)

Testing currently supports only two games. One is Oxenfree from Night School Studio (a first-party title), and the other is Mining Adventure, a gem-mining game from Molehew. Players will need to use their smartphones to play on TV, while members on PCs and Macs can connect with a mouse and keyboard. These supported devices include Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung smart TVs, and Walmart’s ONN TVs (private label stuff).

“We’ve been focused on creating a great gaming experience for our members since 2021 when we added mobile games to Netflix. Our goal has always been to have a game for everyone, and we are working hard to meet members where they are with an accessible, smooth, and ubiquitous service. While we’re still very early in our game’s journey, we’re excited to bring joy to members with games,” said Mike Verdu, Netflix’s games VP.

Netflix has recently launched a new studio in California, headed by Chacko Sonny, formerly responsible for Overwatch. A multi-platform AAA game is in the works with Joseph Staten (creative director of the studio; the Halo veteran left 343 Industries in March), Raf Grassetti (art director who moved from Sony Santa Monica Studios, a position he also holds here), and others.

Source: VGC