Netflix Gaming Adds Asphalt Xtreme & More Games

Netflix Expands Gaming Portfolio with New Titles

This month saw the global release of Netflix’s gaming service on both iOS and Android platforms. The initial selection featured two games based on “Stranger Things” and several more casual gaming options.

Since the service’s introduction, Netflix has broadened its game library with two additional titles. These include the casual game, Bowling Ballers, and a revitalized version of Gameloft’s Asphalt Xtreme, which was officially discontinued in September of this year.

Bowling Ballers: A Simple Addition

Bowling Ballers represents another collaboration with Frosty Pop, a current Netflix gaming partner. Frosty Pop already provides Shooting Hoops and Teeter Up for the streaming service.

This latest game is designed as a straightforward “endless runner” experience centered around bowling, and also incorporates a level-based mode. Consistent with all Netflix games, Bowling Ballers is free from advertisements and in-app purchases.

Asphalt Xtreme: A Rebooted Racing Experience

The other new game is particularly noteworthy. Asphalt Xtreme was a popular title from Gameloft for several years.

It served as the second spin-off within Gameloft’s Asphalt series of action racing games, enabling players to navigate off-road terrains and explore diverse locations while operating a range of vehicles, including rally cars and monster trucks.

Gameplay involved overcoming challenging obstacles such as water, rocks, sand, mud, and snow.

Development of the game spanned from August 2015 to September 2017, but it was ultimately shut down on September 30, 2021. It was subsequently removed from app stores for download by October 1, 2021.

Netflix then secured a license from Gameloft to integrate Asphalt Xtreme into its mobile gaming collection.

A New Life for Retired Games

It’s common for larger game publishers like Gameloft to discontinue titles that have reached their peak and are no longer financially viable to maintain.

However, a service like Netflix presents a potentially innovative new avenue for such intellectual property, as its primary objective isn’t direct profit generation from the games themselves.

The Gaming Subscription Model

The concept of an all-inclusive “gaming subscription” is already established by various cloud gaming services, including Xbox Cloud Gaming and Stadia.

It’s also utilized by the retro gaming service GameClub and Apple’s Apple Arcade.

Netflix’s Gaming Strategy

Netflix doesn’t aim for its game subscription to function as a standalone entity.

Instead, the company views these mobile games as a tool to retain and expand its subscriber base by offering an additional form of entertainment beyond its traditional TV shows and movies.

Netflix subscribers can discover the available games within the Netflix streaming app, though the games are listed as free downloads on their respective app stores.

Upon launching the games, users are required to authenticate with their Netflix credentials, ensuring exclusivity for members.

Availability

Bowling Ballers, released earlier this month, is currently available to users globally.

Netflix has confirmed that Asphalt Xtreme, launched this week, is undergoing a phased rollout to users worldwide and will be accessible to U.S. users in the coming weeks.