Netflix is increasing into youngsters’ video games with a brand new stand-alone app

Netflix is launching a brand new stand-alone app for youths’ video games referred to as Netflix Playground, the corporate announced on Monday. Netflix Playground is out there as a part of a Netflix subscription, and doesn’t have any advertisements or in-app purchases.

Netflix says the app provides youngsters entry to an “ever-growing” library of video games for youths. Netflix Playground is launching with titles that includes characters from widespread youngsters’ exhibits.

The app, which is designed for kids ages eight and below, is now out there within the U.S., Canada, the U.Ok., Australia, the Philippines, and New Zealand. It will roll out worldwide on April 28. The app is out there on each iOS and Android.

It may be accessed offline and not using a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, which the corporate says makes it the “perfect companion for long airplane rides or grocery trips.”

For instance, one sport is titled “Playtime With Peppa Pig,” and sees gamers “jump into Peppa’s world with a collection of playful activities.” There’s additionally a “Sesame Street” sport the place gamers observe matching with reminiscence playing cards or coordination with connect-the-dots. Other titles embrace “Let’s Color,” “Storybots,” “Bad Dinosaurs,” and extra.

“We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favorite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favorite characters,” stated John Derderian, Netflix vice chairman of Animation Series + Kids & Family TV, in a press release. “We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play. Whether it’s reuniting with Hank and the ‘Trash Truck’ crew for new adventures or making a smoothie with ‘Peppa Pig,’ watching and playing on Netflix can be the fun and easiest part of every family’s day.”

Netflix first launched video games in 2021 and had formidable plans for the house, however has since dialed them again after its titles failed to achieve traction. The streaming big has additionally shut down a number of online game studios like Boss Fight, Spry Fox, and an AAA studio.

Late final 12 months, Netflix forayed into TV gaming with a slate of recent get together titles meant to be performed in teams, together with TV variations of Tetris and Pictionary. The firm has additionally stated it’ll prioritize cloud gaming, however has famous that it’s nonetheless within the early levels of those plans.