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Netflix exploring in-game ads, other revenue options for games service

Netflix's games service may be due for a change in the near future as the streamer considers charging for games or in-game ads for different subscription tiers.

Justin Carter, Contributing Editor

January 5, 2024

1 Min Read
Logo for Netflix Games.
Image via Netflix.

At a Glance

  • Netflix's games are a free part of the service, but things may change as the streamer pursues new revenue avenues.

Netflix Games has been a free extension for the TV streamer, but that may soon change. According to a new Wall Street Journal report, Netflix is angling to bring some revenue to its two-year-old games service.

Per the outlet, executives at the company have spent months exploring potential options. Ideas include in-app purchases, or just charging for games deemed "more sophisticated."

For customers on the ad-supported tier, they may receive in-game ads.

As noted by WSJ, Netflix has avoided ads or in-app purchases with its games. But as it's been exploring other avenues to make money, it may be time for that rule to be broken.

Netflix reportedly saw 81.2 million game downloads last year, near triple from 2022's 28.7 million. But its player base is said to still be fairly small, with less than 1 percent of users touching it, as of October 2023.

In recent months, Netflix has acquired developers and added games like the Grand Theft Auto trilogy to its game library. But it's yet to produce a full-blown "killer app" like more established studios.

Whatever direction Netflix chooses to go, it'll surely be reflected if and when it begins to branch into console and PC development.

About the Author

Justin Carter

Contributing Editor, GameDeveloper.com

A Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo. Don't ask him about how much gum he's had, because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit.

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