My guess is that Netflix Games was a spectacular failure that didn't drive that much usage to the platform and that it's being wound down. Big shocker when mobile gaming sucks and nobody wants to...
My guess is that Netflix Games was a spectacular failure that didn't drive that much usage to the platform and that it's being wound down.
Big shocker when mobile gaming sucks and nobody wants to play using touchscreen controls on inferior hardware.
It says here that in 2024, mobile gaming was 49% of all gaming revenue, or about $92 billion. Console games are 28% and PC games 23%. Maybe there’s more to it than those numbers imply, but “nobody...
It says here that in 2024, mobile gaming was 49% of all gaming revenue, or about $92 billion. Console games are 28% and PC games 23%.
Maybe there’s more to it than those numbers imply, but “nobody wants to play using touchscreen controls” seems to be wrong.
Anecdotally, I know a nine-year-old who plays lots of games on a tablet.
I don't think revenue necessarily equates to quality or enjoyment. I doubt companies look at it that way though. Most mobile games seem to be very exploitive of users.
I don't think revenue necessarily equates to quality or enjoyment. I doubt companies look at it that way though. Most mobile games seem to be very exploitive of users.
It shows that people are paying to play them. Some are probably gacha games, but still. I think Pixel Dungeon is pretty good. Slay the Spire seems popular? I’ve also played a lot of Genshin Impact...
It shows that people are paying to play them. Some are probably gacha games, but still.
I think Pixel Dungeon is pretty good. Slay the Spire seems popular?
I’ve also played a lot of Genshin Impact on my iPad. It’s not ideal, but I’m not going to buy a console or Windows box just to play with my niece.
You underestimate the profitability behind forcing users to watch annoying ads or nickel & diming them for an extra life or the chance at bonus loot. There is a reason this predatory crap has...
You underestimate the profitability behind forcing users to watch annoying ads or nickel & diming them for an extra life or the chance at bonus loot. There is a reason this predatory crap has seeped its way into AAA releases selling for $70+ and made the likes of Electronic Arts and Take Two Interactive filthy rich.
My "touchscreen controls on inferior hardware" comment was moreso about the traditional games which received console ports exclusive to Netflix games. I mean try playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Sonic Mania or Bioshock on a smartphone or tablet with on-screen controls, without one of those expensive clip-on Bluetooth gamepad accessories.
Even mobile-focused games like Vainglory play much better with traditional tactile gamepad controls, which is why I think PC and Switch are the best ways to play that game, or at least they would have been if the publishers didn't shutter the Community Edition of the game that was available on those platforms. Also another reason I'm pissed off with Riot Games for cancelling the promised console versions of League of Legends: Wild Rift.
It IS absolutely awful. I installed a couple of games on my kid's iPad a while ago. Even a 7 year old couldn't find anything worthwhile in there. If they had PC streaming, controller support, etc....
It IS absolutely awful. I installed a couple of games on my kid's iPad a while ago. Even a 7 year old couldn't find anything worthwhile in there. If they had PC streaming, controller support, etc. then I probably would have played around with it. But they won't do that, because we're in a day and age when Netflix is actively trying to lower costs by constraining bandwidth usage and limiting their data-center needs. They hamper their lower tiers to encourage you to upgrade [why can't I get 1080p Dolby Vision and Atmos on their Standard plan? It's already $17.99/month and these features are largely metadata, increases to their costs would be negligible]. I think we're going to see more and more enshittification from them as they attempt to cut costs to continue their endless growth. Eventually, like all companies that do this, they'll have to start eating their own tail.
I’m going to be weird and say that games need to be built to the form. A one to one port with a virtual game pad in the middle of the screen is going to be a kludge, but something built around a...
nobody wants to play using touchscreen controls
I’m going to be weird and say that games need to be built to the form. A one to one port with a virtual game pad in the middle of the screen is going to be a kludge, but something built around a touch screen can be a fulfilling experience, as evidenced by the various mobile game recommendation threads that come up from time to time.
I have never understood what Netflix was attempting. I know I'm not the norm: I don't watch Netflix on my phone with any regularity. Therefore, I'm never in the pipeline for netflix games.......
I have never understood what Netflix was attempting. I know I'm not the norm: I don't watch Netflix on my phone with any regularity. Therefore, I'm never in the pipeline for netflix games.... Because you can't play them on a computer. Where I watch Netflix and where I game.
Additionally, if I want to play shitty mobile games, I'm already on my phone, there's little to no barrier for entry. If I want to play Civ:whicheveronetheyhave, a phone is the last place I want to play it (small screen, touch controls, lack of controller support).
I just don't understand who the product was for.
To be fair, Poinpy is good, but I'd rather play that on PC or Switch. Ojiro Fumoto deserved better than to have his work locked down to a platform that isn't even for gamers.
To be fair, Poinpy is good, but I'd rather play that on PC or Switch. Ojiro Fumoto deserved better than to have his work locked down to a platform that isn't even for gamers.
I'm sure Netflix has some decent games, potentially they have the greatest game ever invented. I wouldn't know, because I have no reason to go there for games. Which sucks for games like Poinpy...
I'm sure Netflix has some decent games, potentially they have the greatest game ever invented. I wouldn't know, because I have no reason to go there for games.
Which sucks for games like Poinpy because I'll never play it!
Poinpy was actually removed from Netflix Games nearly two weeks ago, before this announcement was even made. It's at least one of those where I think Devolver Digital will re-release it as a...
Poinpy was actually removed from Netflix Games nearly two weeks ago, before this announcement was even made. It's at least one of those where I think Devolver Digital will re-release it as a standalone iOS/Android and possibly Steam game.
I think there's a market gap today for premium, mobile native games - most mobile games are either microtransction/ads-based games, or PC ports. There's no AAA games that is mobile-native and is...
I think there's a market gap today for premium, mobile native games - most mobile games are either microtransction/ads-based games, or PC ports. There's no AAA games that is mobile-native and is pay-once. I could think of Monument Valley, Florence, and Spaceplan as some of the best premium mobile-native games, but there's no way those game would win any GOTY against PC/PS5 games. Professor Layton series is also handheld console ports that work well on mobile, and I also heard that some Nintendo mobile games like Mario Run and Animal Crossing are quite good. The problem is if you're trying to make the next Infinity Blade today and sell it for $10 most mobile gamer will say it is very expensive.
Perhaps Netflix is trying to tap into this market, but there's very limited existing supply for those premium games as existing demand is low, and Netflix can't make both ends work.
Battleship Braid, Anniversary Edition Carmen Sandiego CoComelon: Play with JJ Death’s Door Diner Out: Merge Cafe Dumb Ways to Survive Ghost Detective Hades Katana Zero Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed...
Here’s a full list of the games leaving Netflix next month. Most games depart the service July 14th, but Hades goes a little earlier, on July 1st. (Carmen Sandiego, however, doesn’t have a confirmed date for delisting, only that it’s “leaving soon.”)
Battleship
Braid, Anniversary Edition
Carmen Sandiego
CoComelon: Play with JJ
Death’s Door
Diner Out: Merge Cafe
Dumb Ways to Survive
Ghost Detective
Hades
Katana Zero
Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
Ludo King
Monument Valley
Monument Valley 2
Monument Valley 3
Rainbow Six: Smol
Raji: An Ancient Epic
SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.
TED Tumblewords
The Case of the Golden Idol
The Rise of the Golden Idol
Vineyard Valley
I laughed. That doesn’t feel like a real title — like it was added into the list as a joke. Nope! Turns out it is real, and it’s very different than I expected.
Rainbow Six: Smol
I laughed. That doesn’t feel like a real title — like it was added into the list as a joke.
I really wish they would just let me hide entire categories. Mobile games, Anime and standup comedy. Just let me hide it. I don't care if other people enjoy it, I never want to see those...
I really wish they would just let me hide entire categories. Mobile games, Anime and standup comedy. Just let me hide it. I don't care if other people enjoy it, I never want to see those suggestions. Ever.
I was afraid of this. I guess my next two weeks will be a mad dash to try and play some of these. Monument Valley 3 isn’t even fully released yet, lol.
I was afraid of this. I guess my next two weeks will be a mad dash to try and play some of these. Monument Valley 3 isn’t even fully released yet, lol.
I was hoping to see Into the Breach listed here. I really like that game, and have it on steam. But I liked playing it on my phone better. It was the only thing I missed when I decided to cancel...
I was hoping to see Into the Breach listed here. I really like that game, and have it on steam. But I liked playing it on my phone better. It was the only thing I missed when I decided to cancel Netflix. I wish I could just buy it for android.
My guess is that Netflix Games was a spectacular failure that didn't drive that much usage to the platform and that it's being wound down.
Big shocker when mobile gaming sucks and nobody wants to play using touchscreen controls on inferior hardware.
It says here that in 2024, mobile gaming was 49% of all gaming revenue, or about $92 billion. Console games are 28% and PC games 23%.
Maybe there’s more to it than those numbers imply, but “nobody wants to play using touchscreen controls” seems to be wrong.
Anecdotally, I know a nine-year-old who plays lots of games on a tablet.
I don't think revenue necessarily equates to quality or enjoyment. I doubt companies look at it that way though. Most mobile games seem to be very exploitive of users.
It shows that people are paying to play them. Some are probably gacha games, but still.
I think Pixel Dungeon is pretty good. Slay the Spire seems popular?
I’ve also played a lot of Genshin Impact on my iPad. It’s not ideal, but I’m not going to buy a console or Windows box just to play with my niece.
Balatro runs well on mobile, and no one is going to seriously argue it's a crummy game.
I’m not saying all mobile games are bad. I do feel confident in saying the average quality of mobile games is likely below PC / console.
You underestimate the profitability behind forcing users to watch annoying ads or nickel & diming them for an extra life or the chance at bonus loot. There is a reason this predatory crap has seeped its way into AAA releases selling for $70+ and made the likes of Electronic Arts and Take Two Interactive filthy rich.
My "touchscreen controls on inferior hardware" comment was moreso about the traditional games which received console ports exclusive to Netflix games. I mean try playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Sonic Mania or Bioshock on a smartphone or tablet with on-screen controls, without one of those expensive clip-on Bluetooth gamepad accessories.
Even mobile-focused games like Vainglory play much better with traditional tactile gamepad controls, which is why I think PC and Switch are the best ways to play that game, or at least they would have been if the publishers didn't shutter the Community Edition of the game that was available on those platforms. Also another reason I'm pissed off with Riot Games for cancelling the promised console versions of League of Legends: Wild Rift.
It IS absolutely awful. I installed a couple of games on my kid's iPad a while ago. Even a 7 year old couldn't find anything worthwhile in there. If they had PC streaming, controller support, etc. then I probably would have played around with it. But they won't do that, because we're in a day and age when Netflix is actively trying to lower costs by constraining bandwidth usage and limiting their data-center needs. They hamper their lower tiers to encourage you to upgrade [why can't I get 1080p Dolby Vision and Atmos on their Standard plan? It's already $17.99/month and these features are largely metadata, increases to their costs would be negligible]. I think we're going to see more and more enshittification from them as they attempt to cut costs to continue their endless growth. Eventually, like all companies that do this, they'll have to start eating their own tail.
I’m going to be weird and say that games need to be built to the form. A one to one port with a virtual game pad in the middle of the screen is going to be a kludge, but something built around a touch screen can be a fulfilling experience, as evidenced by the various mobile game recommendation threads that come up from time to time.
That's an incredibly fair comment. A game like Balatro actually works perfectly on smartphones/tablets and is a valid way to play that game on-the-go.
I have never understood what Netflix was attempting. I know I'm not the norm: I don't watch Netflix on my phone with any regularity. Therefore, I'm never in the pipeline for netflix games.... Because you can't play them on a computer. Where I watch Netflix and where I game.
Additionally, if I want to play shitty mobile games, I'm already on my phone, there's little to no barrier for entry. If I want to play Civ:whicheveronetheyhave, a phone is the last place I want to play it (small screen, touch controls, lack of controller support).
I just don't understand who the product was for.
To be fair, Poinpy is good, but I'd rather play that on PC or Switch. Ojiro Fumoto deserved better than to have his work locked down to a platform that isn't even for gamers.
I'm sure Netflix has some decent games, potentially they have the greatest game ever invented. I wouldn't know, because I have no reason to go there for games.
Which sucks for games like Poinpy because I'll never play it!
Poinpy was actually removed from Netflix Games nearly two weeks ago, before this announcement was even made. It's at least one of those where I think Devolver Digital will re-release it as a standalone iOS/Android and possibly Steam game.
I think there's a market gap today for premium, mobile native games - most mobile games are either microtransction/ads-based games, or PC ports. There's no AAA games that is mobile-native and is pay-once. I could think of Monument Valley, Florence, and Spaceplan as some of the best premium mobile-native games, but there's no way those game would win any GOTY against PC/PS5 games. Professor Layton series is also handheld console ports that work well on mobile, and I also heard that some Nintendo mobile games like Mario Run and Animal Crossing are quite good. The problem is if you're trying to make the next Infinity Blade today and sell it for $10 most mobile gamer will say it is very expensive.
Perhaps Netflix is trying to tap into this market, but there's very limited existing supply for those premium games as existing demand is low, and Netflix can't make both ends work.
Battleship
Braid, Anniversary Edition
Carmen Sandiego
CoComelon: Play with JJ
Death’s Door
Diner Out: Merge Cafe
Dumb Ways to Survive
Ghost Detective
Hades
Katana Zero
Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
Ludo King
Monument Valley
Monument Valley 2
Monument Valley 3
Rainbow Six: Smol
Raji: An Ancient Epic
SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.
TED Tumblewords
The Case of the Golden Idol
The Rise of the Golden Idol
Vineyard Valley
I laughed. That doesn’t feel like a real title — like it was added into the list as a joke.
Nope! Turns out it is real, and it’s very different than I expected.
Haha! Pleasantly surprised, that's a good name for the game. Still, Ubisoft and playing on mobile, no thanks.
Wow, I was expecting SMOL to be an acronym, but the characters are actually smol! 🤣
Thanks for pointing this one out!
Now, if they can also let go of the mobile games section entirely, that would be lovely. Being able to just disable it would also be fine by me.
I really wish they would just let me hide entire categories. Mobile games, Anime and standup comedy. Just let me hide it. I don't care if other people enjoy it, I never want to see those suggestions. Ever.
But that would reduce ENGAGEMENT, the holiest of metrics.
I was afraid of this. I guess my next two weeks will be a mad dash to try and play some of these. Monument Valley 3 isn’t even fully released yet, lol.
I was hoping to see Into the Breach listed here. I really like that game, and have it on steam. But I liked playing it on my phone better. It was the only thing I missed when I decided to cancel Netflix. I wish I could just buy it for android.