Netflix Adds More Games, Including Hextech Mayhem

Netflix Expands Gaming Portfolio with New Titles

The streaming giant, Netflix, is continuing to broaden its selection of mobile games with the introduction of two new titles. Global rollout of these games commences today at 5 PM ET.

New Game Additions

One of the newly available games is “Hextech Mayhem,” a narrative experience set within the universe of Riot Games’ “League of Legends.” This title is also accessible via other platforms like Nintendo Switch, Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG.com, where it is sold for $9.99. The second addition, “Dungeon Dwarves,” is developed by Hyper Hippo, a Canadian studio established in 2012 by Lance Priebe, a co-founder of Club Penguin.

These launches signify the establishment of new partnerships within the gaming industry for Netflix.

“Hextech Mayhem” Details

Netflix confirms that “Hextech Mayhem,” characterized as a fast-paced rhythm runner, underwent a limited release in test markets including Poland, Italy, Spain, and Brazil prior to its global debut. It’s a relatively recent release, having become available on other gaming platforms in November 2021.

This marks the arrival of the first significant gaming franchise within the Netflix games collection. However, it isn’t the first Netflix game also offered for purchase elsewhere; “Arcanium: Rise of Akhan” is similarly available on other platforms.

“Dungeon Dwarves” – A Unique Addition

“Dungeon Dwarves,” a dungeon crawler, is now exclusively available to Netflix subscribers. It represents the first idle game to be featured on the Netflix service.

Accessing the Games

Netflix users will discover these new titles through the company’s mobile applications on both iOS and Android. Android users can locate games within a dedicated gaming tab in the app’s navigation.

On iOS, games are presented in a specific row within the app interface. The games themselves are downloaded from the respective app stores, but access is restricted to Netflix subscribers. Upon installation, users are prompted to verify their Netflix account credentials.

Growth of Netflix Gaming

Netflix began developing its gaming service in late 2021, initially offering a selection of “Stranger Things”-themed games and other casual titles. Since then, the service has rapidly expanded to encompass puzzle games, racing games, strategy games, and more.

These games are developed by partner studios, including Frosty Pop, Rogue Games, and BonusXP, and sometimes utilize licensed intellectual property from companies like Gameloft. To date, Netflix has launched a dozen games, but has not yet leveraged its acquisition of Night School Studios, the creators of “Oxenfree.”

Data Collection and Future Plans

During its Q4 earnings call, Netflix explained that these initial game launches are primarily focused on gathering data to understand consumer preferences.

Greg Peters, Netflix’s COO and Chief Product Officer, stated that the company has been focused on establishing the necessary infrastructure for consistent global game launches. He emphasized the importance of learning from user behavior to refine the gaming service.

Performance Metrics and Future IP

Netflix has not disclosed specific performance metrics for its games, only indicating a “growing number” of daily and monthly active users. The company also suggested that it is considering licensing well-known game IP for future releases.