Netflix Is Planning To Add Video Games In Streaming Platform Within Next Year
- A report this spring from The Information said that Netflix was seeking an executive to lead its push into gaming, intending to offer an Apple Arcade or Xbox Game Pass-like subscription bundle. Now, as first reported by Bloomberg, the streaming company has hired Mike Verdu as its vice president of game development reporting to COO Greg Peters.
- According to Bloomberg, Netflix could offer games right next to its other streaming content “within the next year” listed as a new genre just like documentaries or anything else, without charging extra for the experience.
- Verdu is a former exec who has experience with mobile gaming companies like Zynga, ran EA Mobile for a year, and most recently has been working at Facebook acquiring a series of Oculus game developers like BigBox VR, maker of Population: One.
- Netflix gaming forays have included interactive features like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Carmen Sandiego and licensed games including a Stranger Things title for mobile devices. It also currently has a few job listings for positions producing and leading interactive products, postings that don’t mention the word gaming, but show it’s staffing up with people who have the experience necessary to help that division get off the ground.
Read More: The Verge
Netflix snags former EA, Oculus exec to lead its video game efforts https://t.co/ZA3nHW4UHp pic.twitter.com/mWbUVqjAcx
— The Verge (@verge) July 14, 2021
