Netflix’s initial rollout was in November as it launched five initial titles: Stranger Things: The Game, Stranger Things 3: The Game, Card Blast, Teeter Up, and Shooting Hoops. Since then, Netflix has added more as the streaming giant intensified its efforts amidst budget cuts and revenue drops. But, despite putting in a substantial amount of time, money, and effort, to make people play video games on Netflix, a vast majority of its subscribers couldn’t care any less. CNBC reports that Netflix’s games venture has an average daily audience of 1.7 million. It’s a lot at first glance. However, this is a fraction of Netflix’s 221 million or so subscriber base. By this metric, Netflix has done an awful job advertising its gaming arm, which is a shame. Most if not all of Netflix’s games are excellent. Not to mention, these games are bundled alongside the monthly subscription with zero ads and microtransactions. Regardless of how you look at it, something has to change, and we’re not just talking about adding more games. Before the year ends, Netflix will double its current video game library, and that’s good and all. But, without players, it all feels like it’s only a matter of time before Netflix decides to drop it like it’s done so many other “more successful” ventures. Keep in mind that Netflix is not in a good place right now. The streamer has lost millions of subscribers and it will lose even more in the next few quarters. To combat this, Netflix has cut down spending, canceled shows, and even fired people. It costs money to build and sustain a video game library - just ask Microsoft who has spent hundreds of millions on the Game Pass. Netflix hasn’t spent as much money as Microsoft. At the same time, Netflix can’t just keep throwing away money on something that doesn’t stick. Then again, Netflix isn’t new to bucking trends. It was one of the first streaming platforms in the world, predating everyone else by at least a couple of years in 2007. So, if the company sees something in video games, the least we can do is give them the benefit of the doubt. Speaking of Netflix, the last two episodes of Better Call Saul are hitting Netflix on August 9 and 16.
