Netflix Games for Android was recently launched. An iOS version was also announced. Now there are new details about the implementation.
Netflix officially expanded its subscription on November 3rd and added a gaming section for Android users added. Although it could be only a matter of months before the same offering is brought to iOS, it is almost certain that Netflix will not be able to offer the feature in the same way due to Apple's App Store rules. Now, Mark Gurman reports in the latest Output of its "Power On" newsletter that Netflix will release all games as part of the initiative through the App Store. While the games can be launched through the Netflix app, they cannot be downloaded and played within the app. This means they will be installed as individual apps on the device. Accordingly, it will not be a streaming-based solution.
Netflix Games: Success on iOS is in Apple's hands
Apple App Store rules prevent apps from becoming third-party app stores, which the Netflix app could become if it integrates game downloads into the app itself. Gurman argues that this method is a workaround for iOS, but "not one that puts the Netflix gaming service in the best position to succeed," as consumers "tend to prefer all-in-one services." To circumvent the restriction, Netflix would have to "move to the cloud," and Apple would either have to change its rules or grant Netflix an exemption, he continued. Gurman concludes:
This puts the success of the Netflix service in the hands of Apple, a long-standing partner but also a growing competitor.
Since Netflix Games is relatively small and only offers a handful of games from the start, it will take some time until the offering is large enough to compete with Apple Arcade. Either way, the further development should remain quite exciting. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)
