Netflix enters Esports domain, how lucrative will it be?

Netflix’s decision to move into gaming comes with the underlying scent that it could move into Esports as it encapsulates two aspects-- gaming and it being televised.

Netflix had ealier screened a documentary on League of Legends (Credits: Google Play Store)
By Aaryanshi Mohan | Sep 3, 2021 | 4 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

OTT platform Netflix announced it is going to give video games as a part of its subscription package. This news is a shocker as it has left many with a lot of questions about what and to what extent will the games be offered.

The platform hasn’t announced any details about the kind of production it will provide for the gaming and entertainment industry. This venturing into Esports looks extremely promising since it is the first thing the platform is doing since it started producing its originals on the platform. Netflix began streaming television programming and films in 2007 and has over 200 million global users.

Netflix’s decision to move into gaming comes with the underlying scent that it could move into Esports as it encapsulates two aspects– gaming and it being televised. The platform’s entry into gaming also paves way for it to capture a more sports-loving audience since that is one sector that Netflix doesn’t have as of now. Unlike rivals, Netflix does not currently offer any sports programming or have access to live sports events. Major platforms like Amazon Sky, all of them have it, and it only means Neflix is looking to tap into more subscribers.

Netflix could include Esports

Now, the bigger question is: Will Netflix coverage include Esports? The platform already has a deal with League of Legends developer– Riot Games. This includes the 2018 documentary series 7 Days Out, which gave the people an insight into four North American teams as they enter League of Legends Championship Series (NA LCS). What more could be offered based on the game?

In 2019, Netflix had screened a documentary on League of Legends Origins, and the animated event series Arcane, which were all produced by Riot Games. The premier will take place sometime in 2021. This was not the only time Netflix had adapted an esports game. It had also come out with an aminated series in 2021 called DOTA: Dragon’s Blood, based on Valve’s DOTA 2.

New people on board

In order to get the new system rolling, Netflix has hired Mike Verdu as Vice President of Game Development, reporting to its Chief Operating Officer Greg Peters. Verdu, in his previous stint, worked with Facebook as their Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Content. An prior to that, he worked with Electronic Arts, where he had dealt with a lot of mobile gaming franchises like The Sims, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Plants Vs. Zombies. The kind of experience he carries makes him the most suitable person to take forward the legacy that Netfix is trying to create with this new venture.

Based on what is being put online, Netflix is planning to offer ad-free mobile games first. These games will be available by next year with the existing subscription that Netflix offers. What is being anticipated is that games will be included within the Netflix library and will be introduced as a new genre. The games will not be available for streaming or download as a separate product.

Initiatives moving ahead

The expansion into gaming is the most dramatic step taken by Netflix to stay ahead of the viewer’s race from rivals such as Disney+. The company gained 5.5 million subscribers in the first half of 2021, it is one of the worst first-half performances by many the company since 2013. Subscription numbers had increased during the pandemic but have fallen as people start to go outside again. Netflix’s share prices also felt the pressure of turbulence.

Netflix has been doing all that it can to gain an advantage. It has now opened an online shop to sell merchandise, expanded children’s programming, and an approach to film producer Steven Spielberg to create exclusive content. Netflix is already producing many originals that could easily be adapted into games. Although offering games as part of the existing subscription package may not give profits there and them but in the future, it will be a highly effective branding and marketing exercise.

Next level popularity of E-sports

While many ask what are similarities between sports and Esports, the answer is rather simple. The required dedication, talent, practice, and effort are among the many similarities.

However, one could ask what attracts players towards Esports, then also the answer is pretty simple– it will be the availability.

Virtually everybody with access to a console or a computer could become a professional Esports player. To be a pro gamer, all you have to be is– diligent.

One doesn’t have to be tall, muscular, or be able to jump high. You just need to have dedication and love for the game you’re playing.

In India, people got the exposure to Esports via streamers who played online, and competitively, as well. The argument that Esports should only be for the rich and the wealthy is often shunned by many when they tell their back story.

Many of them did not start with an expensive chair, a huge gaming set up or a super powerful PC. They just had the will to succeed – and they did.