In case you missed it, games are kind of a big deal. Over the last few years Google launched and then shelved its Stadia platform, Apple launched its Arcade gaming platform and Netflix also joined the party. The problem with Netflix’s offering is that it doesn’t work on a TV. But that’s about to change. Netflix games is expanding beyond iPhone and Android with testing commenced on TVs and computers via a cloud-gaming service. And when you play on a TV you’ll be able to use your iPhone as a controller.
Gaming on TVs is a big deal. The TV I have uses Microsoft’s Xbox cloud service to stream games without the need for a gaming console. And Apple has been pushing games through the tvOS App Store for a while now.
Netflix has a catalog of about 70 titles that’s accessible to anyone subscribed to its video service can also play them on a smartphone. Mike Verdu, Netflix’s head of games, said in a blog post “We’re taking the first step in making games playable on every device where our members enjoy Netflix — TVs, computers, and mobile.”
Once the gaming platform launches for TVs you won’t have to spring for an expensive controller. Just grab your iPhone and start running, jumping, shooting and thinking your way through puzzles, battles and mazes.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.