Netflix Might Enter Gaming Industry Said to Be Looking for Executive to Lead Expansion

Netflix is looking to hire an executive to oversee its expansion into video games, a person popularity with the matter said, a sign that it is ramping up efforts to grow beyond its traditional business as streaming competition intensifies.

The move comes at a time when the video gaming industry has benefited from a surge in demand from gamers staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Netflix has allegedly approached veteran gaming industry executives for the job.

Netflix has conduct research with interactive programming in the past with movies such as Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and You vs. Wild that enabled viewers to decide the characters’ moves. It has also created games based on shows Stranger Things and La casa de Papel (Money Heist).

The Information reported earlier on Friday Netflix had discussed offering a bundle of games similar to Apple’s online subscription offering, Apple Arcade, as an option.

Netflix is also allegedly planning to expand its video-streaming subscription with a higher tier ‘N-Plus’ subscription that will give users access to podcasts, custom TV show playlists, and behind-the-scenes content, among other things.