Netflix expands into video games, hires former EA & Facebook executive

Streaming giant Netflix has made its first big move to expand into video games, hiring former Electronic Arts and Facebook Oculus executive Mike Verdu as the vice president of game development, as reported by Bloomberg.

Previously, Verdu served as Facebook’s vice president of AR / VR content and Electronic Arts Mobile’s senior vice president. He also worked for other gaming companies including Zynga, Kabam and Atari. 

According to sources familiar with the matter, Netflix will create its gaming team in the upcoming months and is planning to start offering video games on its platform within the next year. 

The sources added that while the company will offer games at no additional cost, the expansion could raise subscription prices. 

Following the news, Netflix’s shares rose as much as 2.8% in premarket trading Thursday.

Several popular Netflix shows have received game adaptations so far, including Stranger Things: The Game and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics.

In 2018, the company also produced Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, an interactive Netflix movie that allows users to choose from various options to decide how the movie should continue.