Entertainment
Netflix Confirms Move Into Video Games As Its Growth Slows
Published
4 years agoon
By
Editor
Netflix reported its worst slowdown in subscriber growth in eight years as people emerge from their pandemic cocoons. So it’s adding a new attraction to its marquee: Video games.
On Tuesday, the video streaming giant announced it will offer video games in its existing subscription plans at no extra cost, but didn’t say when that service will launch or what kind of games it will be developing.
The confirmation of the long-anticipated expansion came in conjunction with the release of Netflix’s latest earnings report.
That financial breakdown showed the video service added 1.5 million subscribers during the April-June period. That’s slightly better than the modest increase that management forecast after the service stumbled to a sluggish start during the winter months, but still far below its growth rate in recent years.
Netflix’s net gain of 5.5 million subscribers through the first six months of this year represents its weakest first-half performance since 2013 — a time when the company was still rolling out more original programming as it branched out from licensing existing TV series and movies.
Now Netflix is taking another leap by offering video games that intends to produce itself as part of what it described as a multi-year expansion.
READ ALSO: Michael Jackson: Accuser Loses Claim Against Late Singer’s Estate
The Los Gatos, California, company telegraphed the move last week when it disclosed the hiring of a veteran video game executive, Mike Verdu, to explore potential opportunities in another field of entertainment.
“The reason we’re doing them is to help the subscription service grow and be more important in people’s lives,” Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings told investors during a Tuesday discussion.
Greg Peters, Netflix’s chief product officer, said the company will initially focus on mobile games before eventually expanding to consoles and TV sets as well. The games initially will be tied to Netflix’s most popular programming, Peters said, but standalone titles may be added to the, mix too. He even speculated that Netflix eventually may create a TV series or film inspired by one of its video games.
“There’s a a big, big prize here, and our job is to be really focused,” Peters said.
Despite this year’s growth slowdown, Netflix remains by far the world’s biggest streaming service in an increasingly competitive field that includes Walt Disney Co., HBO, Amazon and Apple. Netflix finished June with 209 million worldwide subscribers.
Netflix’s heft also has produced steady profits. The company earned $1.35 billion, or $2.97 per share, nearly doubling from the same time last year. Revenue rose by 19% from last year to $7.3 billion.
READ ALSO: Why Young Artist Must Shun Negative Influence – Cole Uyiekpe
But the lackluster first-half numbers are a dramatic reversal from last year, when government-imposed lockdowns across the world thrust people into binge-watching frenzies while corralled at home. Already the world’s largest video streaming service when the pandemic began in March 2020, Netflix picked up 26 million subscribers during the first half of last year. .
While no one expected Netflix to sustain that breakneck pace, the drop off in subscriber growth this year has been more severe than anticipated. Netflix shares have fallen by about 10% from their peak of $593.29 six months ago. The shares edged up slightly in extended trading after Tuesday’s news came out.
Netflix management has blamed part of this year’s slowdown to pandemic-induced production delays that left its video service with fewer proven hits. The Los Gatos, California, is expecting that problem to fade during the second half of this year with new-season releases of popular series such as “Sex Education” and “The Witcher,” as well as movies starring big-name stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep.
Even so, Netflix let down investors with a forecast calling for only an additional 3.5 million subscribers during the July-September period. That was well below analyst estimates for a third-quarter gain of 5.6 million subscribers, according to FactSet Research. The “quite underwhelming” guidance raised more worries about intensifying competition in video streaming, as well as the fallout from pandemic lockdowns ending, said CFRA analyst Tuna Amobi.
The conservative outlook suggests Netflix isn’t expecting an immediate boost from its foray into a highly competitive video game field already contested by far more experienced companies such as Epic Games, Microsoft and Electronic Arts.
READ ALSO: Mother Of Bayelsa SSG Abducted In Yenagoa
But if the move into video gaming pays off, it could eventually give Netflix more leverage to boost its prices. The company has already been gradually raising subscription costs in recent years, helping to boost its average monthly revenue per subscriber to $14.54 in its biggest market comprised of the U.S. and Canada. That’s a 16 % increase from $12.52 per month two years ago.
(AP)
You may like
California Lawmakers Approve Ban On Face Masks For Authorities
US: Over 100 Dogs Rescued From Suspected ‘Puppy Mill’ In North Carolina
US: 3.7-magnitude Earthquake Hits Malibu Area Of California
How I Made Soundtracks For ‘Anikulapo’ – Kent Edunjobi
Top Five Nollywood Movies On Netflix In 2022
Mod turns ‘Counter-Strike’ into a ‘Tekken’ clone with fighting chickens
Entertainment
VIDEO: ‘New Record’, Guinness World Record Confirms Hilda Baci’s Largest-serving Of Jollof Rice
Published
3 days agoon
September 15, 2025By
Editor
Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, with a staggering total weight of 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz).
The feat was accomplished in partnership with food brand Gino at Victoria Island, Lagos, and has now been formally recognized by Guinness World Records.
Announcing the confirmation on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), Guinness World Records wrote:
READ ALSO:Why I Cooked 200 Bags Of Rice Instead If 250 — Hilda Baci
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) September 15, 2025
“New record: Largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”
Baci, who first rose to global fame with her headline-grabbing cook-a-thon in 2023, has once again placed Nigerian cuisine on the world stage with this remarkable achievement.
Ahead of the confirmation, Guinness World Records had sent her words of encouragement, reposting a video from the Friday event and writing:
READ ALSO:Drama As Hilda Baci’s Jollof Pot Falls After GWR Attempt
“What’s cookin’?
Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.”
The record-breaking cooking event was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, attracting a massive crowd of supporters, celebrities, and food enthusiasts who gathered to witness history being made.
With this latest feat, Hilda Baci continues to solidify her place as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated chefs and cultural ambassadors.
Watch video below:
https://x.com/GWR/status/1967605828728549785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967605828728549785%7Ctwgr%5Ef76dd52669a0205d225aa98b850aaf0d1cc2cf48%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-27499393753220136605.ampproject.net%2F2508281901000%2Fframe.html
Entertainment
Video: Davido Clarifies Viral Video Warri incident
Published
3 days agoon
September 15, 2025By
Editor
Award-winning Nigerian singer, Davido has debunked social media claims suggesting he was slapped during a recent outing in Warri, Delta State.
A viral video that surfaced online showed the singer in the midst of security operatives and fans, with a brief moment where he appeared to be struck on the head.
This led an X user, #AsakyGRN, to post: “Warri people no get joy oo. See dem sl@p Davido for head.”
https://x.com/itzbasito/status/1967582406875254789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967582406875254789%7Ctwgr%5E246ffeffb5e9575f6e4f4e2272b3c54eb91834d7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguardngr.com%2F2025%2F09%2Fvideo-hit-me-by-mistake-davido-clarifies-viral-video-incident%2F
READ ALSO: Why I’m No Longer Stable On Social Media – Davido
Addressing the speculation on his official X handle on Monday, Davido clarified that it was his security aide who accidentally hit him, not an assault from the crowd.
“Mumu that was my security… hit me by mistake… saddist,” the singer wrote.
His response has since put an end to the rumors and clarified the misunderstanding surrounding the viral clip.
Entertainment
Brazilian Jazz Legend, Hermeto Pascoal, Is Dead
Published
3 days agoon
September 15, 2025By
Editor
Brazilian jazz legend Hermeto Pascoal has died at the age of 89, his family announced on Saturday.
Pascoal, known for his long white beard and hair, earned the nickname “The Sorcerer” for his ability to create music using a wide range of instruments and everyday objects.
In a statement on Instagram, his family said he died “with serenity and love,” surrounded by relatives and fellow musicians. They noted that at the moment of his passing, Pascoal’s band was performing on stage, “just as he would have wished: making sound and music.”
READ ALSO:Ex-World Boxing Champion, Ricky Hatton, Is Dead
Born in Alagoas state in northeastern Brazil, Pascoal rose to international prominence through collaborations with jazz great Miles Davis and performances with other top musicians. Davis recorded some of Pascoal’s compositions, cementing his reputation as an innovative force in global jazz.
Pascoal was celebrated as a virtuoso who mastered multiple instruments and was renowned for his improvisational skill.
Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso paid tribute on Instagram, describing Pascoal as “one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.”
- JUST IN: Rivers Assembly Resumes Sitting After Six-month Suspension
- JUST IN: Rivers Administrator Ibas Bows Out, Hands Over To Governor Fubara
- JUST IN: 6 More Deaths Confirmed In Afriland Towers Fire
- FG Makes History Compulsory Subject In Primary, Secondary Schools
- Police Announce Burial Arrangements For Ex-IG Arase
- Lagos Begins Monitoring As Schools Resume
- Teacher Bags 14 Years Imprisonment For Sexually Abusing Seven-yr-old
- Kano, Lagos, Oyo Lead As Over 60% Pass 2025 NECO SSCE
- Back To School: What Parents Must Know As 2025/2026 Session Begins
- Edo Sports Commission Liaises With Education Ministry To Support President Unity Cup, Other
Trending
- Politics5 days ago
2027: Details Of Jonathan, Peter Obi Meeting Emerge
- Entertainment4 days ago
200-level Student Wins Car As MTN Thrills UNIBEN With Campus Invasion
- Entertainment5 days ago
Drama As Hilda Baci’s Jollof Pot Falls After GWR Attempt
- News2 days ago
10 Things Candidates Should Know About Customs Recruitment CBT Exams
- Business3 days ago
Falana Reveals Those Behind Subsidy Removal
- Politics4 days ago
Alleged Infidelity: Soludo’s Wife Issues Senator Ekwunife Ultimatum To Apologize
- Business5 days ago
‘We Like Greek Gifts,’ Nigerians Blast NUPENG Over Dangote’s Fuel Price Reduction
- News5 days ago
Ossiomo, Chinese Impasse: This Is Our Story — Management
- Headline5 days ago
Israel-Palestine Conflict: Nigeria, 141 Countries Endorse Two-State Solution
- News4 days ago
Ossiomo Restores Power To Customers After Barely Two Weeks Outage