Netflix to move into video game development

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We just say: We’ll turn it on. Image: Netflix

Back on Sunday, we reported a somewhat strange wrinkle in Netflix’s ongoing effort to make the most of its relationship with TV mega-creator Shonda Rhimes: news that the creator/streaming service will also develop video games and virtual reality experiences based around Rhimes projects. (“Now you can also enjoy the challenge of trying to get Regé-Jean Page to make a simple cameo for Bridgerton’s second season!”)

As it turns out, though, Netflix’s gaming ambitions weren’t limited to stories about faded looks and ripped bodies; The streaming service actually decided to get into video games in a rather serious way. That’s according to The Hollywood Reporter (who in turn operates from a report from Bloomberg), which notes that Netflix has just appointed Mike Verdo as its new vice president of game development. Verdu’s most recent gig was at Facebook-owned VR company Oculus, but he was previously a major in Electronic Arts’ mobile games division, helping figure out ways to turn The Sims into a micro-ops mobile game, which is pretty cool.

But, hey: there’s no fair judgment on a guy before he’s had a chance to start developing all those great new Netflix games, especially when we’ve got some pitches burning a hole in our heads. Give or take some Stranger Things, Netflix has plenty of untapped IPs ready for game development and we’d love to help Verdu tap them, whether that’s creating an Orange Is The New Black prison escape simulator, or Old Guard action game Or maybe the fake “Control Bo Burnham” video game from Inside.

Really, we can roll it out as fast as we can scroll our way through the giant, memory-resistant labyrinth of Netflix original content. Chess Queen Gambit Simulator. She-Ra is a dating sim/action RPG. BoJack Horseman is a professional management sim. Maybe a Witcher video game (no, it never will.) And oh my god, we’re already going to play this one: a WarioWare-esque mini-game where you can play through every single drawing of I Think You Should Take. Do we just secret it into reality? Fingers intertwined!

This is to say nothing of the possibility of introductory games around Netflix itself. Take on the power of life and death in Show Canceler. Carefully maneuver your films into a weeklong theatrical run at the Oscars. And off of the least understandable creatures in the universe yes, there are still people who make us send them DVDs in the mail. The possibilities are endless! We can’t think of anything right now, keep in mind, but we’re close to making sure of that.

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Wait, no, don’t end the article, we just thought of a great idea for a Russian doll adventure –

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