According to a report, streaming giant Netflix is expanding into the video games market to rival the likes of Apple Arcade.
As picked up by VGC, the reports originate from The Information, who claims that Netflix plans to launch a new video game subscription service in the near future.
The Information claims that Netflix has already begun setting things into motion and is currently recruiting for an executive to lead the new business venture.
In a statement provided to GameSpot over the weekend, it seems that Netflix is planning to indulge in the video games market.
“Our members value the variety and quality of our content. It’s why we’ve continually expanded our offering–from series to documentaries, film, local language originals and reality TV,” said a spokesperson.
“Members also enjoy engaging more directly with stories they love–through interactive shows like Bandersnatch and You v. Wild, or games based on Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel and To All the Boys. So we’re excited to do more with interactive entertainment.”
Apple Arcade is a subscription service that allows customers access to over 100 games to play as and when they choose for a fee of £4.99/$4.99 per month. Much like Apple Arcade, it’s very likely that Netflix’s revival service will also cater to mobile gaming.
It is worth mentioning that these recent reports are quite contradictory to what Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said back in 2019.
Previously Hastings made it quite clear that Netflix has no plans to venture into the video games market. Though to be fair, that was said around two years ago.
“We don’t compete with Fortnite better by doing something like [a streaming service] because we’re not very good at that,” said Hastings at the time. “We compete by doing the most amazing TV shows you’ve ever seen so you put down Fortnite and you come to watch our shows.”
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Featured Image Credit: Netflix