Netflix considering tackling Apple Arcade with its own gaming service

Streaming video giant Netflix is reportedly developing a videogame service that sources describe as being similar to Apple Arcade.

Following initial reports that Netflix has been working to recruit game industry executives, more information has emerged about its potential plans for a gaming platform. A videogames service would be intended to build on both Netflix's 200 million subscribers, but also its previous efforts making a game around the show "Stranger Things."

According to Axios, two unnamed sources now say that the plans should be thought of "as a smaller Apple Arcade." It would be an ad-free collection of mobile games, exclusive to Netflix subscribers.

The sources stress that the plans are in early stages, and a launch is not expected before 2022 at the earliest. However, they also say that the games would be a mixture of newly commissioned titles, and games based on Netflix shows.

It's not decided yet whether the new commissions will go to existing games companies, or whether Netflix will develop them all in-house.

Netflix has not announced any direct plans, but did say in a statement that it has previously had success with games such as "Stranger Things," "La Casa de Papei," and more. "So we are excited to do more with interactive entertainment," it said.

The video streamer is currently subscribed to by around 50% of US households, but has been facing more competition from Disney+ and other services.

Currently, Netflix costs from $8.99 per month. Apple Arcade is available on its own for $4.99 per month, or in all tiers of the Apple One bundle. That offers Apple Arcade plus Apple Music and Apple TV+ from $14.95 per month.

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