Gaming

Netflix planning to add microtransactions and ads to games

Top Netflix executives have reportedly been planning to add in-app purchases along with advertisements inside their games. The topic is currently being discussed “internally” as per reports.

The streaming giant has added various gaming titles to its game library in the last two years. Most recently, it added the Definitive Edition of Grand Theft Auto Trilogy. People believe that the company may be looking at new revenue sources through video games.

It is also said that the advertisements in games will only affect the users who have plans associated with them. Meaning, that those with ad-free streaming plans should be able to play games without any ads too.

As of now, Netflix has added over 70 games to its game library. A similar number of games are also said to be in development. These include some of the most popular IPs, like Sponge Bob Square Pants. The company is also planning to introduce other features like cloud gaming.

How will it affect gamers?

While the decision is likely very far considering, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters last year that the company do not have plans to add ads or in-game purchases.

“We want to have a differentiated gaming experience and part of that is giving game creators the ability to think about building games purely from the perspective of player enjoyment and not having to worry about other forms of monetization, whether it be ads or in-game payment,” Peters said.

In-app purchases are a staple for online games and can be avoided while playing. Plans to introduce ads are more likely to be done in games that might be free for everyone. At the moment, users can enjoy games on Netflix without any ads.