Exploring the New Gaming Offerings on YouTube and LinkedIn

The landscape of digital entertainment is continually evolving, and media companies are increasingly integrating gaming into their platforms to capture and retain user attention.

With the global gaming market valued at approximately $221 billion, it’s no wonder these companies are venturing into this lucrative industry. Here’s a look at the latest gaming additions from YouTube and LinkedIn, along with details about their offerings, pricing, and supported devices.

Netflix Games: A Diverse Portfolio

Netflix has been steadily growing its gaming portfolio, now boasting nearly 100 games that include popular titles like GTA: The Trilogy, Assassin’s Creed, and Monument Valley. Leveraging its vast intellectual property, Netflix enhances its game library with titles linked to original series such as “Love Is Blind,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “Stranger Things.”

Netflix’s gaming feature is available at no additional cost to subscribers of its streaming service. Accessible through its mobile app on iOS and Android devices, users can browse the game library and download their chosen games from Google Play or the Apple App Store. The subscription plans for accessing these games include Standard with ads ($6.99/month), Standard ($15.49/month), and Premium ($22.99/month).

Currently, there are no in-app purchases or ads, though this may change in the future.

Since its entry into the gaming market in 2021, Netflix has seen a surge in popularity, with 81.2 million worldwide downloads in 2023. The company continues to innovate, recently experimenting with browser-based gameplay and testing a cloud gaming service.

YouTube Playables: Casual Gaming for All

YouTube, a staple for gamers streaming and creating content, has naturally expanded into gaming. In May 2024, the Google-owned platform introduced “Playables,” featuring over 75 minigames designed to be quick, casual distractions. Popular titles include Angry Birds Showdown, Cut the Rope, Trivia Crack, and 8 Ball Billiards Classic.

Initially available only to Premium subscribers, YouTube’s minigames are now free for all users. Accessible on desktop, Android, and iOS devices, these games do not require any downloads, making them easy to play between video viewing sessions or during commutes.

Sling TV Arcade: Gaming While You Watch

Facing competitive pressures, Sling TV, owned by DISH, has launched “Arcade,” a free gaming platform designed to attract and retain viewers. Arcade allows users to play classic games while watching their favorite TV shows or movies. The current game selection includes titles like Doodle Jump, Solitaire Clash, Tetris, and Wheel of Fortune.

To access Arcade, viewers press down on the player and click on “Interactive Features.” Games can be played in split-screen mode alongside the content being watched or expanded to full screen. Arcade is available on Sling TV ($40-$45/month) and Sling Freestream, the company’s free ad-supported service. Supported devices include Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Comcast, Samsung, and Vizio.

LinkedIn Ventures into Gaming

LinkedIn’s foray into gaming marks a notable expansion beyond professional networking. In May, LinkedIn introduced three games designed to foster connections among users: Queens, a Sudoku-style game; Crossclimb, a trivia game; and Pinpoint, similar to The New York Times’ Connections game. These games can be played once daily with first-degree connections, encouraging interaction within professional networks.

The integration of gaming into platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn highlights the growing trend of media companies seeking innovative ways to engage users.

As these platforms expand their offerings, they provide new avenues for entertainment, interaction, and user retention. Whether for casual play during commutes or fostering professional connections, these gaming features represent a significant evolution in digital engagement strategies.