For some years now, Netflix has shifted its focus from being a platform that only offers series and movies to also delivering a gaming experience within its service. Yes, you read that right. Not only will you be able to enjoy your favorite series and movies, but you'll also have access to a selection of free games at no additional cost, as long as you're a Netflix subscriber. With this initiative, Netflix seeks to expand its ecosystem and offer more varied entertainment options. By including more than 50 games in its catalog, Netflix is broadening its horizons into gaming entertainment. Although technically we're talking about simpler and more casual games, some are quite well-known titles in the world of video games, especially in the indie scene. That said, don't expect to find the latest FIFA or graphically powerful games, but among the options are some very interesting ones that can offer you hours of entertainment.
How to play Netflix games on mobile
To start playing on your mobile device, whether Android or iOS , you need to follow a few simple steps. Most games are available for iPhone, iPad, and Android users. Here are the steps to find them:
- Install the Netflix app: The first thing is to make sure that you have the latest version of the Netflix app installed on your mobile device. You can install it from Google Play Store If you have Android, or from the App Store from Apple if you use an iOS device.
- Sign in with your account: If you already have a Netflix account, signing in is very easy. If you don't have one, you can create one directly from the app. You do need an account and a subscription.
- Find the games section: Within the app you will see several sections. Scroll down to the games section, which is usually located in the main menu. Here you will find a list of games that Netflix has available.
- Download the game: Once you find the game you like the most, select the download option. The download will be done directly from the app or through the app store, depending on the device you are using. The advantage is that you won't have to worry about annoying ads or microtransactions in the game.
In case you prefer not to use the Netflix app to download the games, you can simply search for the available titles directly in the App Store or Google Play, where they are also available. However, in order to play them, you must log in with your Netflix account within the game.
Netflix games on TV
If you're someone who prefers a big screen for everything, Netflix has you covered. Now you also have the option to play games on your TV or computer . However, keep in mind that this feature is currently in limited beta in certain countries , including Germany, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
To access the games on your TV, you'll first need to check if your device is compatible. The games will then be available in the games section of the Netflix app on your TV. Currently, compatible devices include smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and Roku, as well as media players such as Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV , and other similar devices.
Once you're in, you'll see the option to enjoy some titles on your screen, but here's an important detail: you'll need to use your phone as a controller to play the games. For this, Netflix uses the Netflix Game Controller app on iOS , which you can download to your phone and sync using a QR code that will appear on your TV screen. On Android, the virtual controller is activated from the official Netflix app for Android, also by scanning the QR code that will appear on the screen.
Playing from your computer
Not only do TVs have this capability, but you can also enjoy Netflix games directly from your web browser on Windows and Mac . To do so, simply go to Netflix.com using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge . The games will be located in a new section called “Games on TV,” and you can play directly from your browser using your keyboard and mouse. This process is very similar to that of TVs and doesn't require any additional devices beyond what you normally use to browse the internet.
Current Limitations of Netflix Cloud Gaming
As we mentioned earlier, this new gaming service for TVs and computers is currently in beta. The trial is limited to a larger number of subscribers, but not everyone has access yet. There are some limitations you should be aware of before you start playing on your TV or PC.
- Resolution limited to 720p: Netflix games in the beta phase are limited to this resolution, which may be a drawback for those looking for high-quality graphics. This is something Netflix is refining and will likely improve over time.
- No support for Bluetooth controllers: For now, you'll need to use the Netflix Game Controller app or your mobile device itself as a controller. This may improve as the service expands to include devices like Bluetooth game controllers.
Netflix Games Catalog: Over 50 Titles
One of the advantages of this new service is that Netflix's game catalog is constantly growing. While most games are simple and casual, some are widely known titles. From adventure games like Oxenfree (developed by Night School Studio, which was acquired by Netflix) to arcade games like Molehew's Mining Adventure , there are games for all tastes.
The available mobile games are as follows:
- Arranger NETFLIX: Musical game with creative puzzles.
- Asphalt xtreme: Off-road racing with extreme vehicles.
- Bloons TD 6: Balloon tower defense strategy.
- Spongebob Bubble Pop: Bubble puzzle game.
- SpongeBob: Let's cook: Cooking simulation in Bikini Bottom.
- Bowling Ballers: Arcade bowling game.
- Braid: Anniversary Edition: Time travel platform puzzle game.
- Minesweeper: Classic mine finding game.
- CoComelon: Play with JJ: Educational activities for children.
- Country Friends: Collaborative farm simulation.
- Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit: Adventure on a ghostly island.
- Cut the Rope Daily: Daily puzzle with physics.
- Dead Cells: Netflix Edition: Roguelike action game.
- Death's Door: Action-adventure in a fantasy world.
- Diner Out NETFLIX: Restaurant management.
- Dominoes Cafe: Classic domino game.
- Dumb Ways to Survive: Survival minigames.
- Dungeon Boss: Respawned: Tactical dungeon RPG.
- The Queen's Gambit Chess: Based on the famous series.
- Farming Simulator 23: Realistic farm simulation.
- FashionVerse: Fashion game.
- Football Manager 2024 Mobile: Football team management.
- Game Dev Tycoon: Video game development simulator.
- Explosive kittens: Based on the popular card game.
- Cats and Soup Netflix Edition: Relaxing cat management game.
- Ghost Detective: Supernatural detective adventure.
- GTA III: Open world action in the most complete GTA for mobile.
- GTA: San Andreas: Open world, action and missions.
- GTA: Vice City: The myth of the GTA saga.
- HELLO KITTY ON PARADE!: Fashion simulation with Hello Kitty.
- high water: Adventure in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Netflix Stories: Interactive series with decision making.
- Sink the float: The classic naval battle game.
- IMMORTALITY: Interactive movie mystery.
- Into the Breach: Tactical mecha strategy.
- Into the Dead 2: Unleashed: Shooter in a zombie apocalypse.
- Playing with fire 3: Minigames with fire.
- ZERO Katana: Action game with swords and stealth.
- Kentucky Route Zero: Surreal narrative adventure.
- Krispie Street: Find the objects game in detailed settings.
- The paper house: The option: Interactive game based on the series.
- Laya's Horizon: Adventure in a magical world.
- LEGO® Legacy: Heroes Unboxed: Role-playing game with LEGO heroes.
- Ludo King NETFLIX: Classic board game.
- Monument Valley: Puzzles based on optical illusions.
- Narcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited: Construction and combat strategy.
- NETFLIX Mahjong Solitaire: Classic mahjong game.
- NETFLIX Moonlighter: Adventure and shop management.
- NETFLIX Pointy: Vertical jump platform game.
- Nickelodeon! Ramshackle: Based on the Netflix show.
- OXENFREE: Netflix Edition: Supernatural adventure.
- paper trail: Paper adventure puzzle.
- Pinball Masters: Classic pinball game.
- Puzzle Gods: Color matching puzzles.
- Rainbow Six: SMOL: Miniature tactical shooter.
- Reigns: Three Kingdoms: Card strategy in ancient China.
- RollerCoaster Tycoon: Simulation of theme parks.
- Script Netflix Edition: Interactive crime investigation.
- Shatter: Remastered: Arcade style brick breaker game.
- Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon: Puzzle and action with knights.
- Skies of Chaos: Side-scrolling aerial shooter.
- Slayaway Camp 2 Netflix & Kill: Puzzle and horror game.
- snake.io: Multiplayer version of the classic Snake.
- Classic solitaire: Solitaire card game.
- Sonic Mania Plus: Platform game with Sonic.
- Sonic Prime Dash: Endless race with Sonic.
- Spiritfarer Netflix Edition: Adventure about death and farewells.
- Storyteller: Create interactive stories.
- Stranger Things 3: The Game: Retro adventure based on the series.
- Stranger Things: 1984: 8-bit style action game.
- Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales: Matching puzzle adventure.
- land nil: Eco-friendly construction game.
- The Case of the Golden Idol: Interactive mystery.
- THTH: Love Is a Game: Based on the reality show.
- TMNT: Shredder's Revenge: Classic beat 'em up with the Ninja Turtles.
- Tomb Raider Reloaded: Adventure with Lara Croft.
- Too Hot to Handle 2: Based on the Netflix dating show.
- Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt: City strategy and management.
- TRANSFORMERS Fighters: Fighting game with Transformers.
- Twelve minutes: Interactive thriller in a time loop.
- Valiant Hearts: Coming Home: Historical adventure of World War I.
- Vikings: Valhalla: Strategy game based on the series.
- Vineyard Valley NETFLIX: Simulation of a vineyard.
- Wild Things: Animal Adventure: Matching game with animals.
- Wonderputt forever: Minigolf in surreal settings.
- Word Trails: Word search game.
- World of Goo: Remastered: Physics puzzle game
The games available for TV are these:
- infernax
- OXENFREE
- Link Twins
- Mole Gem Mayhem
- Reigns
- Reigns: Three Kingdoms
- Rocket
- Story Warriors: Fairy TalesThe Almost Gone
These are just a few of the available titles, but if you prefer puzzle or sports games , you'll also find options like Asphalt Xtreme , Cut the Rope Daily , or The Queen's Gambit Chess on the list. Keep in mind that the catalog continues to grow, and Netflix has already announced that it has more than 70 games in development that we'll see in the coming months.
Accessibility and requirements for playing Netflix games
Playing Netflix games is available to all users . Regardless of your subscription type, you'll have access to these games at no extra cost. Currently, Netflix offers access to games in both its ad-supported and premium plans , meaning that with just a basic subscription, you can enjoy the full catalog of games.
However, to play, it's important to make sure your device is compatible. Netflix has some basic requirements you must meet. For Android devices, your phone or tablet needs to be running version 8.0 or higher. For Apple devices, you need at least iOS/iPadOS 15 to run it properly.