Netflix debuts new 'Playground' gaming app for kids

By Harshita Mary Varghese

April 6 (Reuters) - Netflix NFLX.O doubled down on its gaming efforts on Monday, launching a new app called "Netflix Playground" that would feature games built around popular children's characters such as Peppa Pig and Sesame Street.

Analysts say the streaming giant's gaming efforts have yet to emerge as a major growth driver. One of the main challenges, analysts believe, is Netflix's relatively limited portfolio of iconic intellectual property compared with rivals such as Warner Bros Discovery, which owns franchises, including DC Comics.

Some of the most popular games from Netflix include Rockstar Games' "GTA: San Andreas", and those based on its own hit shows such as "Squid Game: Unleashed."

The streaming giant said the new features aim to be a "curated space where parents know kids are entertained, engaged and enriched."

The move is also aimed at deepening engagement with families, a segment where children's content has traditionally been seen as helping reduce churn because parents are less likely to cancel.

"Emphasizing kids programs will make Netflix stickier for households with children," Emarketer senior analyst Ross Benes said.

The new app will help Netflix "compete in the one area where it has a deficiency compared to Disney+, which is children's programming," he added.

The new app is designed for children eight years old and younger and is included in all levels of Netflix membership.

Each game will be playable offline, including "Playtime With Peppa Pig," "Dr. Seuss's Horton!" and "Sesame Street".

In addition to parental controls, the platform ensures no ads, in-app purchases or extra fees.

'Netflix Playground' is available for download in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand. The company will launch globally towards the end of this month.