Netflix is jumping deeper into gaming with the release of a stand-alone children’s app called Netflix Playground, the company announced on Monday. The app is released as part of a Netflix subscription, completely ad-free and with no in-app purchases on board — perfect for keeping younger users safe and sound without any interruptions.
Netflix Playground — An expanding library of games starring characters from popular kids’ series. It is intended for kids eight years old and younger. The app launches in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand today; availability around the world starts on April 28. The app is available for iOS and Android, and it works offline—perfect for long airplane rides, car trips or short lulls at home with no Wi-Fi.
The app, which features games such as “Playtime With Peppa Pig,” lets kids explore the world of Peppa through fun activities. There’s even a Sesame Street game that helps kids practice memory matching and motor coordination through connect-the-dots challenges. Also in the collection are Let’s Color, StoryBots, Bad Dinosaurs and other interactive learning and play titles.
John Derderian, Netflix vice president of Animation Series + Kids & Family TV, said in a statement.
“We’re building a world where kids are able not just to watch their favorite stories; they can step into them and interact with the heroes and characters that they love.”
We are building a seamless discovery, learning and play destination. Whether it’s a reunion with Hank and the Trash Truck crew or a smoothie made with Peppa Pig, Netflix can be the fun & simplest bit of every family’s day.”
Netflix began offering games in 2021 but scaled back plans after some titles struggled. Multiple internal game studios like Boss Fight and Spry Fox and even an AAA studio were also closed.
Netflix experimented with TV gaming last year and added group-pleasing party games like Tetris and Pictionary. The company has also indicated a focus on cloud gaming, but the plans are in their early stages.
With Netflix Playground, the company is merging entertainment and interactive play; in addition to providing kids with some new ways of engaging with shows they already love, parents will now have a safe place for their children to explore without ads.
