Netflix runs limited game streaming test on TVs, browsers in Canada, UK

Image: Netflix

Netflix is expanding its gaming service to more devices. Until now, the streaming giant’s games have only been playable on iOS and Android devices. But Netflix is using its streaming technology to test its games on TVs and computers as well.

The test is very limited at the moment. Only two games are available: Oxenfree (the sequel of which was Netflix’s first game from its studio) and Molehew’s Mining Adventure, a gem-mining arcade game. And the beta is only open to a few Netflix subscribers in the UK and Canada who have Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, NVIDIA Shield TV, Roku devices and TVs, Samsung smart TVs, or Walmart ONN. Netflix will add more devices later.

To play Netflix games on a TV, you can use a new controller app that Netflix just released. When you choose a game, your TV will show a QR code. You can scan it with your phone and use it as a controller. The games will also be playable on Netflix’s website through supported browsers in the next few weeks. You can use your keyboard and mouse to play them on PCs and Macs.

Netflix says the test's goal is to evaluate its game streaming technology and controller app. It is not clear yet if Netflix will bring all of its games to TVs and web browsers, because of the complex rights agreements with different publishers. But this move signals that Netflix is becoming a major player in the cloud gaming market.

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