Netflix has long harbored ambitions of being more than just a streaming service. Branching out into gaming was a starting point, and now the company has a new app called Netflix Playground designed to help educate and entertain children.
Launching initially in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand, Netflix Playground will spread globally by the end of the month. But just what does Netflix have in mind with this latest venture?
This is about using familiar names and brands to give me to children – characters from favorite shows appear in education games. Announcing the new app, Netflix explains: “Now there’s a new way for kids to play and explore with their favorite characters — from Peppa Pig to their friends on Sesame Street — called Netflix Playground“.
The streaming giant goes on to say:
Designed for children ages 8 and under, Netflix Playground is included with all memberships and makes saying “yes” to playtime easier, with no ads, in-app purchases or extra fees. Simply download the app to a smartphone or tablet and sign in to your Netflix account to access an ever-growing library of games for kids. Because every activity is instantly playable and available offline, Netflix Playground is the perfect companion for long airplane rides or grocery trips, ensuring the only surprise is how much fun kids have along the way.
Speaking about Netflix Playground, said John Derderian – Netflix Vice President of Animation Series + Kids & Family TV – says:
We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favorite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favorite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play. Whether it’s reuniting with Hank and the Trash Truck crew for new adventures or making a smoothie with Peppa Pig, watching and playing on Netflix can be the fun and easiest part of every family’s day.
Netflix shares details of some of the games which it is making available:
- Playtime With Peppa Pig – Jump into Peppa’s world with a collection of playful activities. Care for guinea pigs, drive the bus, make a smoothie and more.
- Sesame Street – Hang out with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar and more beloved puppet pals. Practice matching with memory cards or coordination with connect-the-dots.
- Dr. Seuss’s Horton! – Explore vibrant jungle environments that encourage creativity through cause-and-effect play with Horton and friends. Try skateboarding and basketball, too!
- Storybots – Have fun with these curious and inquisitive critters through colorful sticker book scenes, jigsaw puzzles and more activities.
- Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches – Join Stella Sneetch on interactive adventures through her world, choose shapes to develop pattern recognition and build a one-of-a-kind car.
- Bad Dinosaurs – Pick a tiny tyrannosaurus to run on a race track, or jam out with a turntable, keyboard and sound effects to make a fart-filled new song.
- Dr. Seuss’s Red Fish, Blue Fish – Tap and drag to reveal delightful surprises in the fishes’ living room and kitchen play zones, or soar through the air in a hot air balloon.
- Let’s Color – Unleash your creativity with coloring pages featuring your favorite characters.
The company is quick to point out that parents and guardians remain in full control of what children have access to.
