Netflix users have been able to download whatever mobile games they want, for free, as part of their subscription for several years now. Netflix is continually releasing new games too, which makes it a great platform for gamers. With games like Oxenfree being popular with users, it’s safe to say that the platform is quickly becoming competitive within the online gaming sphere. Recent reports have also suggested that Netflix could be willing to explore microtransactions and in-game purchases as a way to capitalise on its user base.
A Price Tag on Premium Titles
Netflix adding in-app purchases or even putting a price tag on some of the more premium games they have to offer could be the way to go. They could even take inspiration from the casino sector. When you play Temple Tumble Megaways for real money, you deposit whatever amount you’re happy with to your online account, and pay per spin. Sometimes, you get free spins and no-deposit bonuses, so you can play the game without using your own funds. Although not every game is suited to this model, it’s certainly a concept they may be willing to explore.
Other things they might do include adding advertisements on games if users are part of a certain ad tier. Methods like this are very common within the gaming sphere. It may be that the company takes the approach of charging people for unique skins for their character, or to progress through the game faster. The possibilities for adding in-game purchases and microtransactions are endless. Microsoft, who completed their deal to buy Blizzard last year, relies on them heavily. Although it’s something that Netflix is yet to explore, it’s clear to see that there is a lot of potential.
Netflix Won’t Comment on the Matter
Netflix has refused to comment on the matter, so it may be that the company decided not to monetize its games. In April 2023, they even shut down the concept, but with that being said, the Netflix platform has grown considerably since then. The company has also said that it wants to take a step toward differentiating the gaming experience, as well as looking at how game creators build games. They want to put a perspective on player enjoyment, and if in-app purchases or microtransactions take away from that then it may be that they don’t explore it.
With that being said, if more value can be obtained then this could lead to some very interesting developments. It may even pave the way for more exciting game releases, as they will have more capital to explore different partnerships. Bigger games can also begin to make their way into the pipeline.
So if Netflix does end up implementing in-game purchases, it could lead to a lot of interesting developments. With that being said, it’s also going to be interesting to see whether or not Netflix uses the extra revenue they are generating to sustain its platform and become more profitable, or whether they use it as a way to try and better their offerings. Netflix has always been customer-focused, so it’s going to be exciting to see where they stand.
