The line between video games and actual visual media continues to get blurred, as Netflix, the streaming giant, has announced a panel for E3 2019.
An official account for Netflix named NX revealed this information about E3 in a series of tweets, announcing that the streaming platform will get its own panel during the E3 Coliseum, the same larger panel that will host Infinity Ward and their upcoming Call of Duty title. Check out NX’s back-and-forth with the official E3 Twitter account below.
Sure! Just to hang or....do you guys have something you want to talk about?
— E3 (@E3) May 13, 2019
I think we can squeeze you in. What’s the panel called?
— E3 (@E3) May 13, 2019
?? Sounds great! Can we get a hint about the games??
— E3 (@E3) May 13, 2019
Cool, can’t wait! We’ll keep checking in with you guys at @NXOnNetflix for updates. ?
— E3 (@E3) May 13, 2019
The panel will be called "Bringing Your Favorite Shows to Life: Developing Netflix Originals into Video Games." Going by its name, it would be safe to assume that Netflix is planning a big move into the video game landscape, which could reveal some very interesting things for the future of the streaming platform.
First off, this is not the first time Netflix has tried to break the mold in terms of doing projects that are closer to video games. Just back in December of last year they released Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, their first ever interactive film, which is akin to something like a visual novel. Oddly enough, I do still consider visual novels as video games, because the bare minimum will always be interactivity. Bandersnatch allows its viewers to choose the actions of the main character during certain events in the film, which then leads into branching paths and multiple endings, similar to some point-and-click adventure titles.
It remains to be seen what’s in store for Netflix and gaming, as the streaming giant has confirmed only one game based on their IP will make it to E3: Stranger Things 3: The Game. The game is set to come out on the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices on July 4, the same date that the third season of the acclaimed series debuts. Although certainly a big title, Stranger Things 3: The Game is being handled by a small indie studio, BonusXP. This means that if Netflix is serious into moving into the video game scene, it needs partnerships with bigger developers and publishers.
Or they could go on with signing smaller, indie companies, and keep their games fresh and on a more personal scale, like small spin-offs to complement their brand. Both could work.
The E3 Coliseum is set to be held from June 11 to 13, and you can find out more details about it here.
