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Netflix Launches Minigolf Video Game With ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Bridgerton’-Inspired Levels
Netflix has launched a new couch co-op party game called "Netflix Minigolf," blending minigolf with pinball-style mechanics and characters from three of its biggest franchises. The release is part of Netflix's broader push into gaming, offering subscribers additional interactive content built around its most popular shows at no extra cost, reinforcing the streamer's strategy of using its hit series to drive engagement beyond traditional viewing.
Developed by Netflix-owned studio Next Games, the title launches on 28 July with more than 60 levels themed around "Stranger Things," "Squid Game" and "Bridgerton". Players collect and deploy "Pranks" against opponents during play, meaning the lowest score does not necessarily win, and up to four people can compete locally on a compatible TV using their phones as controllers via a QR code. It follows other recent releases from Netflix's games division this summer, including a FIFA World Cup simulation and the horror title "Unhinged," made with David Fincher and Zach Cregger.
In short
- Netflix launches free "Netflix Minigolf" game on 28 July
- Features over 60 levels across three hit Netflix franchises
- Up to four players compete locally using phones as controllers
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Netflix has powerful IP that can drive engagement across multiple formats. Gaming represents an underexploited opportunity to deepen subscriber relationships at minimal incremental cost—these games are bundled with the subscription service, requiring no additional charge. Couch co-op gaming in particular is an underserved niche, and leveraging beloved characters from shows like Stranger Things and Squid Game creates natural, built-in appeal that traditional gaming studios must spend millions to achieve through marketing.
The case against
Whilst the logic of leveraging IP is compelling, Netflix's gaming division has failed to gain traction with subscribers despite years of investment and dozens of titles. User engagement metrics have consistently underperformed, suggesting subscribers don't view gaming as a key reason to maintain their subscriptions. Rather than spreading resources further, Netflix would better serve shareholders and subscribers by focusing on its core strength—premium serialised entertainment—where it still faces intense competition from increasingly well-funded rivals.
Explained simply
Netflix has expanded into video gaming by offering interactive titles to its subscribers at no extra cost. The company has positioned gaming as a way to add value to its subscription service.
Netflix has launched a minigolf game featuring characters and themes from three of its most popular shows: "Stranger Things," "Squid Game" and "Bridgerton." The game features pinball-style mechanics across over 60 levels and allows up to four players to compete locally on a television using their mobile phones as controllers.
The game is part of Netflix's broader strategy to develop interactive experiences based on its franchises. This approach allows the company to deepen subscriber engagement by offering additional ways for viewers to interact with popular shows beyond traditional viewing.
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