Netflix kills game rental idea

During Netflix's quarterly earnings report, CEO Reed Hastings made it clear that the company's possible endeavor in to game rentals is dead.

The CEO simply stated the company has "no plans to enter video games."

During the summer, as Netflix prepared to spin-off its DVD-by-mail service into "Qwikster," the company hinted that it was preparing to get into the game rental business, making Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii titles available by mail. Within weeks, however, Qwikster was dead and the game rental idea was put on the shelf.

With Netflix bowing out, GameFly remains the only major by-mail rental outfit for games, but the price can be hefty at $16 per month for one game out at a time, and $23 for two.

Although the company did not disclose why it killed the idea, it is likely because the expense of signing deals with major publishers was too much to handle for the company that is expanding streaming internationally and building its catalog at a fast pace.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 27 Jan 2012 14:10

jookycola

Thanks, now I know for sure I will never go back.

27.1.2012 15:16 #1

ThePastor

When all of that was happening I saw quite a few people say that they would stick with Netflix because they really wanted the game rental service and they wanted to see how Netflix did it.

I'm guessing they are in for another bout of cancellations.

"But the bigger point here is that UMG has effectively admitted this takedown was never about copyright. They demanded YouTube censor Megaupload and justify that by saying they have a contract which allows it so its fine. Its painfully clear what they would do with a law like SOPA that gives them much more power"

27.1.2012 17:59 #2

xtago

I don't know why people are even asking for a game rental service as there's nothing to rent on in the PC area it's all digial downloads now (thanks to steam(pricks))

And the console side isn't much behind, all the new consoles will probably be all download games and simply have a drive to play music or movies as needed.

27.1.2012 18:38 #3

molsen

The problem with consoles as I see it: They not all have the same HDD space. I have 320gb with PS3 and 250 with 360, and I hardly use any of it now. But think about it. The good games are 8-9gb on a disc, a lot of space if you have a library of games.

27.1.2012 20:54 #4

xaznboitx

netflix can't take the heat that's why they never tried gaming business and I bet they going to force everyone who sign up for dvd plan to upgrade to streaming.

28.1.2012 06:11 #5

llongtheD

Originally posted by xtago: I don't know why people are even asking for a game rental service as there's nothing to rent on in the PC area it's all digial downloads now (thanks to steam(pricks))

And the console side isn't much behind, all the new consoles will probably be all download games and simply have a drive to play music or movies as needed.
That pay per use/pay per console plan is shaping up nicely isn't it. It is pretty obvious that will be a good avenue to drain the consumer for a bit more. If it ever comes down to me having to pay for the game on every device I use it on, that will be the end of console gaming or gaming for me period. I really don't game that much, but this new model is being applied to a lot more than gaming.
Getting back to the article, its no wonder their stock has plummeted from 2010. They need to start being industry leaders again, shying away from the gaming side seems almost idiotic.

30.1.2012 01:04 #6

TBandit

Would've been nice to see some competition for Gamefly.

30.1.2012 23:04 #7

RandyStar

Netflix needs new management. And, since the board hasn't realized that yet, they need a big shake up, too. If I owned Netflix stock, I'd be furious!

3.2.2012 12:57 #8

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