While Netflix has made a name for itself as a streaming service that provides movies and television series, including a vast library of original content, the platform has also started investing in games. Additionally, you can enjoy Netflix video games on iPad and iPhone.
Because of how relatively recent this is, many people still don't realize that they can play games using their Netflix accounts. Let's see it!
How to access Netflix games on iPhone and iPad
To start, you will obviously have to make sure have a current subscription to Netflix. From there, things are easy, let's see how to do it:
- First sign in to your Netflix account on your iPhone or iPad.
- Now on the home page, scroll down.
- You'll find a row of Netflix games.
- You can also search for "games" in the Netflix search bar.
- Now that you have found the games, choose one of the available titles to play.
Unfortunately, we still don't have a dedicated tab for when you want to play the best iPhone games on Netflix with a iOS or iPadOS device. Currently, devices Android has a tab dedicated to games, but that feature has not yet reached the Apple ecosystem.
All Netflix games support touch controls, so you won't have to bother pairing one of the best controllers or connecting anything else to your device, making it the way perfect to play games on the go or while traveling.
Please note that some games require an Internet connection to play, but others can be downloaded to your device and played even if you don't have coverage, so you may want to check the details of what games you're playing.
Naturally, having a larger screen and more processing power will help with some games, so anyone with the best iPads available right now will have the best possible experience playing Netflix games.
Netflix's gaming efforts
At this time, Netflix has no plans to introduce another level specifically for gaming. Instead, games added to Netflix will be available as part of a regular membership, with no additional charges. Games can also be played at the same time as someone watching something else through their account, although standard profile limitations apply here.
Netflix is giving a big push to video games. The company first ventured into gaming with interactive titles like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and a Carmen Sandiego game. But starting in 2021, it made gaming a much bigger priority: Netflix hired a former EA executive and let people play a selection of mobile games for free as part of their subscriptions.
Since then, Netflix's gaming arm has launched gamertags for gamers and begun hiring to develop a "AAA PC game" while bringing in big names like former Halo lead Joseph Staten. Ubisoft has even announced several games in development for Netflix, including an Assassin's Creed title that goes with a new live-action series the two companies are working on. Netflix also released more big-name titles like Monument Valley and a Tomb Raider roguelike. Most Netflix subscribers haven't tried its games yet, but that could change soon.
Every day more games
In August 2023, it launched the first tests for its cloud-streamed games that allow you to play its titles on a TV or over the web, which could help Netflix more easily compete with other non-mobile gaming platforms.
Netflix continues to strengthen its gaming lineup with the release of Hades on iOS mobile on March 19. The launch comes with a slick new trailer highlighting how mobile controls will work for the hell-escaping roguelike, and you can pre-register for the game here.
Hades represents the latest in a handful of popular games that Netflix is adding to its growing roster. You can now play Oxenfree II, Kentucky Route Zero, Before Your Eyes and Spiritfarer, while Katana Zero, Sonic Mania Plus and Braid are planned for sometime this year.
Increasing the game catalog
Late last year, Netflix added the Grand Theft Auto trilogy, which became its biggest game release. Netflix is also working on streaming its games directly to TVs and PCs, testing the program in the UK, Canada and selecting users in the US.
GTA is Netflix's biggest game launch yet. It's unclear how many people have downloaded the GTA Mobile Trilogy through Netflix, but the report says:
“It has been our most successful launch to date in terms of installs and engagement, with some consumers clearly signing up simply to play these games.”
That said, gaming is still a relatively minor part of Netflix's business. Despite stating that «commitment tripled last year», the company said the games remain "small, and certainly not yet material in relation to our film and series business."
