Netflix launches Playground app with games for youngest users
Photo: Netflix logo (Getty Images)
Netflix has launched a new Playground app for children under the age of eight, bringing together games featuring Peppa Pig, Sesame Street characters, and other popular figures, Reuters reports.
The new product is another attempt by Netflix to strengthen its presence in the gaming segment. The company said Playground is designed as a "curated space" where parents can be confident that their children are not only entertained but also spending time in a safe environment.
The app is included in all Netflix subscription tiers. It offers games that work offline and contains no ads, in-app purchases, or additional fees. Among the games already available to children are Playtime With Peppa Pig, Sesame Street, and Dr. Seuss’s Horton!
Playground is already available for download in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines, and New Zealand. The service is scheduled for a wider global launch at the end of April.
Analysts cited by Reuters note that Netflix’s gaming division has not yet become a major growth driver for the company. One reason, they say, is a more limited portfolio of recognizable intellectual property compared to competitors, particularly Warner Bros. Discovery.
At the same time, Netflix hopes the new product will help deepen engagement with family audiences. Children’s content on streaming platforms is traditionally seen as a key tool for retaining users, as parents are less likely to cancel subscriptions when their kids use them regularly.
It is worth noting that Netflix raised prices across all subscription tiers starting March 26. The cheapest plan now costs $8.99 per month, while the premium plan is priced at $26.99.
