Netflix Games considering in-game ads and extra fees for 'premium titles' to boost revenue

Netflix is reportedly considering several strategies to generate revenue from its gaming platform, Netflix Games, including the possibility of adding in-game ads or others common gaming monetization methods such as microtransactions or even premium titles fees. The company's gaming service is currently free for subscribers at no extra cost.

Recent discussions among Netflix executives have focused on user retention and competition with other gaming services like Xbox Game Pass, Playstation Plus, or Apple Arcade. The idea of adding an ad-supported tier granting access to the game library is one of the strategies under consideration, which would involve displaying ads during gameplay (similar to their already implemented ad-based plan for movies). Another noteworthy idea is the implementation of additional fees for premium titles from renowned franchises like the recently added Grand Theft Auto trilogy.

Netflix games were downloaded 81.2 million times globally in 2023, and the company has set even higher growth targets for 2024, especially thanks to its commitment to game streaming, in addition to locally downloaded games. It remains to be seen whether these new strategies will yield results, especially now that other streaming services like Crunchyroll have fully entered the mobile gaming market as well.