Netflix’s push into gaming has so far been restricted to smartphones, but not anymore. The company is now testing its gaming platform for TVs and PCs.
Netflix says one of the goals is to test the company’s “game streaming technology." But for now, only a select group of users outside the US will be able to try it.
“We are rolling out a limited beta test to a small number of members in Canada and the UK on select TVs starting today, and on PCs and Macs through Netflix.com on supported browsers in the next few weeks,” the company says.
In addition, the test will only involve two games: Oxenfree, a supernatural adventure game from Netflix’s own game studio; and a new title called Molehew’s Mining Adventure, which the company describes as a gem-mining arcade game.
Still, the news signals that Netflix, which has around 240 million subscribers, is interested in becoming a platform for game streaming. In the announcement, Netflix adds: “Our goal has always been to have a game for everyone, and we are working hard to meet members where they are with an accessible, smooth, and ubiquitous service.”
But for now, Netflix has only featured mobile games, often based around its own franchises. Time will tell if the company expands to games from large, third-party video game studios.
Another goal of the test is to refine the company’s virtual game controls. For TV users, the two games will be playable via a connected smartphone. On PC, users will be able to open a web browser and play with their keyboard and mouse.
Netflix adds: “Games on TV will operate on select devices from our initial partners including: Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Players, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, and Walmart ONN. Additional devices will be added on an ongoing basis.”