Echoing recent rumors, Bloomberg confirmed today that Netflix plans to move beyond TV shows and films and into the lucrative world of video games. Netflix’s new business venture has been cemented by the recent hiring of Mike Verdu, a former Electronic Arts and Facebook executive who will now serve as vice president of game development for the world’s largest streamer. According to one of Bloomberg’s sources, Netflix could begin offering video games as early as next year. Netflix reportedly has no plans for charging subscribers extra for its games, either.
According to Bloomberg, Netflix has hired Mike Verdu (former EA exec for Command and Conquer, Medal of Honor, and recently running Oculus's 1st party VR games) as VP of game development. Congrats Mike! pic.twitter.com/XZp1ESHKRA
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) July 14, 2021
Video games give Netflix another way to lure new customers and also offer something none of its direct competitors currently provides. Walt Disney Co., AT&T Inc.’s WarnerMedia and Amazon.com Inc. all have access to live sports, but they don’t have gaming within their main video services.
Source: Bloomberg