Netflix to stream video games into your home?

Rumors about Netflix getting into video game development are popping up again. A similar rumor circulated in 2018 and one of the differences this time is that Netflix isn't explicitly denying the news. Bloomberg reports Netflix has hired Mike Verdu as the firm's vice president of game development. Verdu previously worked as Facebook's vice president, where he oversaw developer relations for the Oculus VR headset team.

A source familiar with Netflix' video game strategy told the news agency that the goal is to get video games on the Netflix platform within the year. Interestingly, Netflix plans to offer video games as part of its current subscription. Bloomberg writes Netflix doesn't currently plan to charge an extra fee for video games.

Pushing into games would be one of Netflix’s boldest moves yet. In Verdu, the company has an executive who worked on popular mobile games at Electronic Arts, including titles in the Sims, Plants vs. Zombies and Star Wars franchises. He also served as chief creative officer for Zynga Inc. between 2009 and 2012.

Netflix will be building out its gaming team in the coming months, according to the person familiar with the matter. The company has already started advertising for game-development related positions on its website.