Background on Netflix and FIFA Collaboration
Netflix announced on Wednesday that it will add a soccer game to its gaming portfolio, as the streaming giant aims to capitalize on the 2026 FIFA World Cup to deepen its venture into the video game segment.
Game Development and Publishing
The soccer game will be developed and published by Delphi Interactive, which is also assisting in creating a premium James Bond game titled “007 First Light“. The collaboration is with FIFA, the governing body of soccer.
Release Timeline and Strategy
According to Netflix, the game will be launched in time for the world’s most-watched sporting event, which kicks off in June of next year in the United States.
Netflix’s Gaming Expansion
In addition to the FIFA partnership, Netflix is currently the frontrunner for purchasing several assets from Warner Bros. Discovery, including its renowned video game studios, for $72 billion.
Mixed Results in Gaming Investments
Netflix’s significant investments to boost its ambitions in the video game sector have not yielded much success amidst leadership and strategy changes. The company has prioritized traditional games and well-known franchises like “GTA: San Andreas” and “Red Dead Redemption” from Rockstar Games.
Potential Acquisition of Warner Bros. Game Studios
Acquiring the video game studios of Warner Bros., which include creators of popular franchises such as “Mortal Kombat“, “Batman Arkham“, and “Hogwarts Legacy“, would allow Netflix to enter the lucrative high-budget game market.
Television-Based Game Offerings
The FIFA game joins a series of offerings playable on televisions, including “LEGO Party!” and “Pictionary: Game Night“, where smartphones are used as controllers.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in this collaboration? Netflix and FIFA have partnered to develop a soccer video game.
- What is the purpose of this partnership? To capitalize on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and deepen Netflix’s venture into video games.
- Who is developing and publishing the game? Delphi Interactive, which is also working on a James Bond game called “007 First Light.”
- When will the game be released? In time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
- What other gaming-related news is Netflix involved in? Netflix is the frontrunner to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery’s video game studios for $72 billion.
- Why has Netflix’s gaming expansion been mixed? Due to leadership and strategy changes, traditional games and well-known franchises have not been as successful.
- What impact would acquiring Warner Bros. game studios have on Netflix? It would enable Netflix to enter the high-budget game market with popular franchises like “Mortal Kombat,” “Batman Arkham,” and “Hogwarts Legacy.”
- What other television-based games does Netflix offer? Games like “LEGO Party!” and “Pictionary: Game Night,” which use smartphones as controllers.
