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Tag: Mike Verdu

  • Netflix, Ubisoft announce plans to create three mobile games

    Netflix, Ubisoft announce plans to create three mobile games

    MUMBAI: OTT platform Netflix and Ubisoft have announced plans to create three mobile games from game franchises to Netflix, starting in 2023. Announced at Ubisoft’s annual digital event Ubisoft Forward, the three games will expand on the Valiant Hearts, Mighty Quest and Assassin’s Creed universes, and will be available exclusively on mobile to Netflix members around the world with no ads or in-app purchases. 

    A new Valiant Hearts game, sequel to Ubisoft’s game Valiant Hearts: The Great War, is directed by the original core team and will retain the same DNA while featuring a new story. It will be available to Netflix members in January 2023. 

    After The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot mobile game, The Mighty Quest will come to Netflix in 2023 with a new game. This time, the game will draw inspiration from the roguelike genre to deliver an experience that celebrates the series’ premiere hack-and-slash combat in a fresh and highly replayable format.

    And for Assassin’s Creed fans, they will be able to immerse themselves in the Assassin’s Creed universe on Netflix in more than one way. In addition to the previously announced live-action series, an all-new mobile game is being developed exclusively for Netflix.

    “We’re thrilled to work with Ubisoft, whose track record creating memorable worlds for fans is unmatched. This partnership will provide our members with exclusive access to some of the most exciting game franchises as we continue to build a catalogue of great mobile games for our members around the world,” said Netflix’s vice president Games Mike Verdu.

    “As we continue to create great experiences on all platforms, we’re glad to be partnering with such an innovative and creative partner as Netflix. I believe that this partnership will be a great opportunity for Netflix members to further explore our worlds and universes on mobile” said Ubisoft chief mobile officer Jean-Michel Detoc. 

  • Netflix to acquire Finnish mobile game developer Next Games

    Netflix to acquire Finnish mobile game developer Next Games

    Mumbai: Streaming giant Netflix has entered into an agreement to acquire mobile games developer and publisher Next Games based in Helsinki, Finland. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

    “Next Games has a seasoned management team, strong track record with mobile games based on entertainment franchises, and solid operational capabilities,” stated Netflix vice president games Mike Verdu. “We are excited for Next Games to join Netflix as a core studio in a strategic region and key talent market, expanding our internal game studio capabilities. While we’re just getting started in games, I am confident that together with Next Games we will be able to build a portfolio of world class games that will delight our members around the world.”

    Founded in 2013 and led by Teemu Huuhtanen, Next Games creates and operates engaging mobile games with an authentic and social fan experience at the heart. The company’s strategy is to develop games on popular entertainment IP with fans across the globe, including “Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales,” a story-driven puzzle role playing game (RPG) inspired by one of Netflix’s most watched series. The company had approximately 120 employees at the end of 2021 and reported sales of approximately €27.2 million in 2020, with 95 per cent of revenues generated from in-game purchases in 2020.

    “We have had an unwavering focus to execute on our vision: to become the partner of choice for global entertainment businesses and craft authentic and long-lasting interactive entertainment based on the world’s most beloved franchises,” said Next Games chief executive officer Teemu Huuhtanen. “Joining forces with the world’s largest streaming service, Netflix, presents an opportunity for a logical and exciting continuation of our strategy to craft interactive experiences for the world to enjoy. Our close collaboration with Netflix on ‘Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales’ has already proven that together we create a strong partnership. This is a unique opportunity to level-up the studio on all fronts and continue on our mission together.”

  • Netflix launches its mobile games worldwide

    Netflix launches its mobile games worldwide

    Mumbai: Netflix has announced that it will launch its games on mobile across the world. Every Netflix subscriber can play up to five mobile games including “Stranger Things: 1984” (BonusXP), “Stranger Things 3: The Game” (BonusXP), “Shooting Hoops” (Frosty Pop), “Card Blast” (Amuzo & Rogue Games), and “Teeter Up” (Frosty Pop).

    Netflix members can play these mobile games without paying any additional fees, ad-free and without any in-app purchases. These games are currently only available on Android devices. Members on an Android tablet will see a dedicated games row or be able to select games from the categories drop down menu to download and play. The games are available in multiple languages but will default to English if the language is not available in a particular country, said the streaming giant in a statement.

    Users can play games across multiple mobile devices via the same account. If you hit your device limit, you can sign out of devices not in use or deactivate them remotely on Netflix website to free up a slot. Keeping in mind child safety controls, Netflix has made these games unavailable on kids’ profiles. While some mobile games will require an internet connection, others will be playable offline, it added.

    “We are in the early days of creating a great gaming experience, and we’re excited to take you on this journey with us,” said Netflix vice president for game development Mike Verdu.

    In July, Netflix hired former Facebook vice president Mike Verdu to head its video games unit as vice president, game development. Verdu has been associated with EA Mobile, Kabam, TapZen and served as chief executive officer at Zynga from 2009 to 2012. 

    The company officially revealed its plans to enter the video game market in its second quarter earnings call. Netflix views gaming as a segment that will help it attract and retain customers. Co-CEO Reed Hastings emphasised that Netflix is not looking to generate revenues from video games per se, it is about “enhancing the big service that we have.”

    The company announced its first big move in the gaming space on 28 September with the acquisition of indie video game creator Night School Studio.

  • Netflix acquires video game creator Night School Studio

    Netflix acquires video game creator Night School Studio

    Mumbai: Netflix has made its first big move in expanding its gaming portfolio with the acquisition of Night School Studio. The company has also launched a trio of casual mobile games in select European markets, according to a report by TechCrunch.

    “We’ll continue working with developers around the world and hiring the best talent in the industry to deliver a great collection of exclusive games designed for every kind of gamer and any level of play,” noted Netflix vice president – game development Mike Verdu. “Like our shows and films, these games will all be included as part of your Netflix membership — all with no ads and no in-app purchases.”

    Founded by Sean Krankel and Adam Hines in 2014, video game creator Night School Studio is best known for its critically acclaimed debut game “Oxenfree.”

    “Netflix gives film, TV, and now game makers an unprecedented canvas to create and deliver excellent entertainment to millions of people,” said Night School Studio’s Krankel. “Our explorations in narrative gameplay and Netflix’s track record of supporting diverse storytellers was such a natural pairing. It felt like both teams came to this conclusion instinctively.”

    Netflix has mentioned its plans to enter the gaming industry amidst intense competition in the streaming business with competitors gaining subscribers rapidly. Netflix launched its first gaming title based on the “Stranger Things” franchise in Poland. These titles became available via a ‘Games’ tab within the Netflix app to subscribers.  

    The company launched three casual games including “Shooting Hoops,” “Teeter Up” and “Card Blast” to Netflix members in Italy and Spain. Subscribers from Spain and Italy will gain access to these trio of gaming and the two existing “Stranger Things” titles that have already been released.

    Netflix plans to launch games in other markets including the US in the near future. It began with Poland as an initial test market because the country has an active mobile gaming audience that made it a good fit for early feedback.

  • Netflix launches first two mobile games in Poland

    Netflix launches first two mobile games in Poland

    Mumbai: Netflix has launched its first two mobile games on Android – “Stranger Things: 1984” and “Stranger Things 3” for members in Poland. Netflix Geeked made the announcement on 26 August via their official Twitter handle.  

    “Today members in Poland can try Netflix mobile gaming on Android with two games, Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3. It’s very, very early days and we’ve got a lot of work to do in the months ahead, but this is the first step,” reads the tweet.

    According to a report by Variety, Netflix games will have no ads or in-app purchases and titles will be included with a Netflix streaming plan. In the Android app, available game titles will show up under a new menu that says ‘Play Mobile Games’ and users who click on it will be directed to a Google Play Store page to download the game. The report indicates that over time the games will be more tightly integrated into the Netflix app itself.

    “Stranger Things 3: The Game” is developed by studio BonusXP and allows gamers to play through familiar events in Stranger Things season three where they will be able to uncover new quests, character interactions and secrets. “Stranger Things: 1984” is described as a stylized retro action-adventure similar to the arcade games back in the 80s, letting players solve puzzles, collect Eggos and gnomes along the way, said the Variety report.

    In July, Netflix hired former Facebook, vice president, Mike Verdu to head its video games unit as vice president, game development. Verdu has been associated with EA Mobile, Kabam, TapZen and served as chief executive officer at Zynga from 2009 to 2012.  

    Last month, the company officially revealed its plans to enter the video game market as a new category to help it attract and retain customers. In their second-quarter earnings call, co-CEO Reed Hastings emphasised that Netflix is not looking to generate revenues from video games per se, it is about “enhancing the big service that we have”, he noted.  

  • Netflix eyes foray into video gaming, hires former Facebook exec as gaming VP

    Netflix eyes foray into video gaming, hires former Facebook exec as gaming VP

    New Delhi: Netflix is finally making the big move. Even as media conglomerates across the world slug it out to challenge its dominance in the streaming space, the US giant is gearing up for its next step. According to reports, Netflix is planning to expand beyond its traditional streaming business, and make its foray into video gaming.

    On Wednesday, Netflix hired former Facebook, vice president, Mike Verdu, as VP of game development to lead its video games unit, reported Bloomberg. Verdu was previously Facebook’s vice president in charge of working with developers to bring games and other content to Oculus virtual-reality headsets.

    He has previously served as senior vice president of EA mobile, president of studios and chief creative officer at Kabam, CEO of TapZen, and chief executive officer for Zynga from 2009 to 2012. At Netflix, he will report to chief operating officer Greg Peters.

    The idea is to offer video games on Netflix’s streaming platform within the next year, Bloomberg quoted a person familiar with the situation. According to the report, the games will appear alongside current fare as a new programming genre — similar to what Netflix did with documentaries or stand-up specials.

    The reports suggest Netflix will build its gaming team in the next few months, and it has “already started advertising for game-development related positions on its website”.

    The company now has 208 million paid subscribers across the globe, up from 204 million last quarter, and the latest announcement could be its boldest move yet. The announcement comes at a time, when Netflix is looking at ways to catalyse its growth especially in saturated markets like the US. Analysts contend that the move could also enable the company to justify its price hike in the coming few months.