The Netflix Acquisition Will Make it the Gaming Giant It’s Struggled to Become For Years

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Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros., HBO, HBO Max, and DC Entertainment for $72 billion in a combination of cash and company stock. This purchase will dramatically change the entertainment world, bringing one of Hollywood’s oldest and most powerful companies under the ownership of Netflix, which began just over ten years ago as a DVD rental service. While this deal is huge for movies and television, it could have an unexpected impact by firmly establishing Netflix as a major player in the high-end video game industry.

Netflix has made a huge leap into the gaming world by buying Warner Bros. Games and all of its studios. This instantly gives Netflix ownership of popular franchises like Mortal Kombat, Hogwarts Legacy, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Batman, and LEGO, along with the teams that create these games. It’s a quick way for Netflix to become a major player in the gaming industry, especially considering the company has struggled for years to gain acceptance from gamers.

A Brief History of Netflix’s Gaming Attempts So Far

Netflix started exploring mobile gaming in 2021, and in 2022, they added a ‘Netflix Games’ section to their app. Their approach focused on giving subscribers extra value rather than releasing hit games individually. Initially, they offered smaller, licensed games based on popular Netflix shows like Stranger Things. However, most Netflix subscribers didn’t pay attention, either because they weren’t interested in gaming or preferred platforms with a wider variety of games.

Around this time, Netflix also started building its own video game development capabilities. They created studios like Next Games and bought existing smaller developers, including Night School Studio, the creators of Oxenfree. Similar to how Netflix creates original TV shows, the idea was to offer exclusive games connected to their streaming content or featuring compelling stories. However, many of these games were initially designed for mobile devices and didn’t have the budget, refinement, or marketing power to compete with major, established AAA games.

Despite a rough start, Netflix did recently get Red Dead Redemption on it’s platform.

Netflix’s Current Gaming Reputation

Source images: Netflix

Despite a lot of work, Netflix Gaming is known within the industry but hasn’t become a major player. While Netflix has invested in games, the results have been small improvements rather than big changes – for many, it’s just an overlooked feature on their TV app. This is quite different from their success with streaming, which is why buying Warner Bros. and their gaming properties could be a turning point.

How Netflix Can Turn the Bus Around

Source images: Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery

As a Netflix fan, I’m really excited about them buying Warner Bros. Games! It feels like this could be the move that lets Netflix become a complete entertainment hub – movies, shows, and games, all in one place. They now have access to some huge, well-known franchises, the amazing people who create them, and even cool tech like the Nemesis system from Shadow of Mordor. Honestly, they’ve got almost everything they need! Now, they just need to make sure these games are available on the platforms we actually use to play them.

If the company had the resources – and that’s a big ‘if’ – smart investments and a clear plan could transform its reputation from a risky venture to a respected, major game developer. A key part of this could be integrating with Netflix’s existing subscription service. While Netflix could easily add some Warner Bros. games now, making all new games available, big or small, will be essential. Plus, the company needs to convince gamers that Netflix is the best place to play those games – something that companies like Epic, Xbox, Ubisoft, and EA have all found to be a real challenge.

Building Netflix’s Gaming Infrastructure

Most Netflix subscribers don’t have gaming consoles or powerful computers, so figuring out how to reach them is crucial if Netflix wants to become a major gaming platform. Luckily, Netflix is already excellent at understanding what viewers want and keeping them engaged – skills that can be applied to gaming too. Options like cloud gaming, controller-compatible TV apps, or a digital store connected to Netflix accounts could address the key questions: how people will actually play these games, and why they would choose to play them through Netflix.

As a gamer, I think Netflix could really level up its game by rewarding subscribers. Imagine getting bonus content for being a member, early access to games based on shows we love, or even rewards that work across different platforms. Combine that with cloud gaming, and they could build a whole gaming world that goes head-to-head with Xbox Game Pass. Honestly, they’d have a huge advantage because they already offer both TV and movies and gaming – that’s a pretty sweet deal!

Unlocking and Revitalizing WB’s Existing IP

Netflix’s recent acquisition opens up huge possibilities for gaming. Titles like LEGO Voyager or Batman: The Telltale Series could quickly be brought to the platform, providing familiar and engaging experiences for all types of gamers. Now, Netflix can transform beloved older games into modern, easily-enjoyable content that fits perfectly with its on-demand service, giving them an advantage over typical game publishers. The company has access to a vast library of games for the future, with some of the most promising including:

  • DC
  • Game of Thrones
  • Harry Potter
  • Terminator
  • Looney Tunes
  • The Matrix
  • Mad Max
  • Mortal Kombat
  • Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit (original film trilogies)

Gamers are especially excited about Netflix now having access to unique technology like the Nemesis system from the ‘Shadow of Mordor’ games. This technology could be used to create incredibly engaging new games or adaptations, potentially generating massive profits. Imagine a Batman game where enemies learn from and adapt to your actions – that would instantly establish Netflix as a serious gaming player.

The “Actual” Path Forward for Netflix as a Gaming Giant

Source images: Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery

As a fan, I’m really wondering what Netflix will do with all these studios they’re buying. It’s great they own the IP, but actually building a gaming world people want to spend time in is a whole other challenge, and honestly, it’s not clear if that’s even their plan. I know it would cost a fortune, but if they could pull it off, Netflix could become a major gaming player overnight, moving past their current struggles. Think about how successful Microsoft and Tencent are – they prove that investing in games and building a respected gaming community is incredibly lucrative, and it could be even bigger for Netflix considering how much they’ve already earned from DVDs and streaming!

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2025-12-07 20:05