Netflix is moving beyond mobile gaming, bringing five new party games directly to televisions later this holiday season. The streaming service announced Wednesday the upcoming launch of Boggle Party, Pictionary: Game Night, Tetris Time Warp, Lego Party, and Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends, marking a significant expansion of its interactive entertainment offerings.
How to Play: Phone as Controller
The new games will be accessible through a dedicated “Games” tab on the Netflix app on compatible TVs. Unlike traditional video games, these titles use smartphones as controllers. iPhone users can download the free Netflix Game Controller app from the Apple App Store. Android users will need the standard Netflix app from the Google Play Store and will scan a QR code displayed on their TV screen each time they want to play.
Netflix’s Growing Gaming Strategy
This move aligns with Netflix’s broader investment in gaming, which began years ago with mobile titles. The company has already released interactive games based on its popular shows, such as Too Hot to Handle, and even secured licenses for established franchises like Grand Theft Auto. This expansion into TV-based party games represents a strategic attempt to capture a larger share of the entertainment market.
According to Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters, the company views these games as “a successor to family board game night or an evolution of what the game show on TV used to be.”
Pricing and Availability
The games will be included with existing Netflix subscriptions, starting at $8 per month. No additional cost is required for access. Currently, Netflix has not provided specific release dates beyond “soon” during the holiday season.
Netflix’s push into interactive entertainment underscores its ambition to remain competitive in the streaming landscape. By leveraging its existing subscriber base and expanding into gaming, the company aims to offer more value and engage users in new ways.
