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Netflix is most known for its TV shows and movies, or maybe even its price hikes, but it also wants to be a gaming destination. A new leak suggests Netflix's next step is to introduce online voice chat for multiplayer titles.
As spotted by Android Authority, Netflix version 9.60.0 on Android includes snippets of code that say “Voice Chat Active,” “voice_chat_channel,” and “Tap to return to game.” Other parts of the app's code refer to Agora’s cross-platform voice API, which would likely power voice chat.
There’s no official word from Netflix, but the terminology making it into the code could suggest an imminent launch. To date, Netflix multiplayer titles have mostly focused on couch co-op or party games, such as Boggle Party, Lego Party, and Pictionary: Game Night. It’s unlikely you’d want to use voice chat for these games, so this feature may hint at more online-compatible titles eventually being included in your Netflix subscription.
Netflix offers some mobile games with online multiplayer, but the selection is limited. There's Asphalt Xtreme, which features eight-player racing, and Squid Game: Unleashed, which includes 32-player matches.
Netflix is currently weathering the storm of announcing a price hike this week, a little over a year after its last increase. Those who want to watch the streaming service without ads will pay an extra $2 per month, bringing the price to $19.99 or $26.99 for the top-end package. The ad-supported plan jumps $1 to $8.99 a month. Here's how to cancel or downgrade your plan.