Netflix's TV Gaming Plan Allows iPhone to Be Used as Controller

Netflix is working to extend its nascent video game platform to TVs and part of the plan involves allowing subscribers to use their iPhone as a controller, reports Bloomberg.

netflix games launch
According to the report, app developer Steve Moser shared code he discovered hidden within Netflix's iOS mobile app that contains references to games played on TVs, including one line which reads "A game on your TV needs a controller to play. Do you want to use this phone as a game controller?"

Netflix launched its gaming platform on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices in November 2021. Games are released as individual apps on the iOS App Store, while the full catalog of games is maintained in the Netflix app. Many of the titles are tie-ins to popular TV shows, such as "Stranger Things 3: The Game."

Similar to the way Apple Arcade operates, there are no ads, additional fees or in-app purchases included in the games, with the idea being that customers remain engaged with the streaming service while they are waiting for new installments of TV shows and series hosted by the platform.

As Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes, expanding gaming to TVs would be a major extension of the service, as Netflix is now built into many smart TVs and is available on several platforms, including Apple TV.

Ultimately, Netflix plans to launch a cloud gaming service that could let users stream games without installing them locally. Such a plan would enable the company to offer many more titles than it does currently, potentially providing competition to existing cloud gaming services offered by the likes of Microsoft, and may even rival non-cloud-based platforms such as Apple Arcade.

Tag: Netflix

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Top Rated Comments

Apple blogger Avatar
21 months ago
So does this count as using 2 devices or one?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robbietop Avatar
21 months ago
When you finally tired of Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock, you can come in and play Angry Birds using your…..phone…….
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pacorob Avatar
21 months ago

Even Apple knows the iPhone is a bad controller. That's why they use Xbox, PS, and Switch controllers, among others.

This just proves once again that Netflix has bad leadership making bad decisions and they will continue to decline.

That's really not a reasonable point. Especially when so many games on the iPhone are successful. I think it would be bad if they tried to make it control games like Mario or something but the idea is solid
Currently there are 56 games ('https://appraven.net/collection.php?listId=618abda8d8a2486de0baeea5') Netflix games out of which 8 games ('https://appraven.net/collection.php?listId=63e9ea53904afd2a981d302a') have actual controller* support:
- Highwater
- Asphalt Xtreme
- Dust & Neon
- Shatter Remastered
- TMNT: Shredder's Revenge
- Relic Hunters: Rebels
- NETFLIX Moonlighter
- Stranger Things 3 The Game

* Backbone One (works great) and I also tried it with my Xbox controllers and should also work with quite some Playstation controllers.

Netflix also recently announced ('https://about.netflix.com/en/news/continuing-our-games-journey') to have 90 games in 2023.

I really like this game option in addition to our Netflix subscription to play games without ads, in-app purchases and I also play some games with my kids as well. There are a few good premium games in there and also quite some casual games (Mahjong Solitaire Netflix, Puzzle Gods, Wild Things Animal Adventures, Country Friends - a bit like Farm Frenzy).

I do hope more existing and new games with support (MFi) controllers. It would also be nice if the kids account could also get access to (some) kids friendly games since currently you can only play the games with adult accounts and since my wife and I have a pincode set on those the kids can't play any games on their iPads.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Verified Whiskey Avatar
21 months ago
Oh yeah, I forgot this existed! That being said, a touchscreen as a controller? That is not going to do well. There’s no tactile feedback. How will you know what you’re tapping on if you’re looking at a different screen?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maxoakland Avatar
21 months ago

Even Apple knows the iPhone is a bad controller. That's why they use Xbox, PS, and Switch controllers, among others.

This just proves once again that Netflix has bad leadership making bad decisions and they will continue to decline.
That's really not a reasonable point. Especially when so many games on the iPhone are successful. I think it would be bad if they tried to make it control games like Mario or something but the idea is solid
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
21 months ago

how many people actually play these games?
not heard anyone go "have you played this Netflix game?". no one.
Haven't heard anyone go "Have you played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" either, yet it was the biggest CoD franchise launch ('https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-has-biggest-playstation-store-launch-of-all-time-for-cod-series/1100-6508735/') in PlayStation store and most popular paid game ('https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-is-steams-most-popular-paid-game-right-now/1100-6509243/') not too long ago.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)