Photo courtesy of Netflix.
BUSINESS

Netflix bets on FIFA gaming push

Mico Virata

Netflix is expanding its gaming push into one of the world’s most popular sports, positioning a new FIFA-branded title as a more accessible alternative to traditional football video games. The streaming platform is banking on simplicity and mobile-first controls to attract casual players who have long been overwhelmed by complex sports gaming systems.

Set for release on June 11, the game will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers and streamed through the Netflix app. It is designed as a pick-up-and-play experience that removes common barriers such as complicated menus, heavy learning curves, and in-game purchases.

Developed by Delphi Interactive, the project reflects a broader attempt to reimagine how football games are delivered and played. The studio, which also played a key role in pitching major licensed gaming projects, helped secure the FIFA rights following the end of the organization’s long-standing partnership with EA in 2022.

At launch, the game will feature three main modes: quick exhibition matches, a tournament-style World Cup campaign, and a penalty shootout mini-game. It includes all 48 participating teams with updated rosters, while progression is tied to in-game rewards earned through matches and daily challenges, without microtransactions.

Gameplay is centered on smartphone touch controls, with movement handled on one side of the screen and actions such as passing, shooting, and sprinting executed through taps and swipes. Defensive play can also be automated, allowing newcomers to rely on assisted mechanics while learning the basics.

Netflix is positioning the title as a live-service product, with plans for continuous updates, roster adjustments, and potential new modes depending on player feedback. The approach signals a more aggressive gaming strategy for the company as it experiments with interactive content tied to major global events like the World Cup.