The gaming industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with both incumbents and newcomers vying for a share of this growing market. In 2023, several legacy competitors attempted to take over the field, but new entrants emerged.
The battle for screen time is intensifying: YouTube has recently taken serious steps in the gaming space. While this may not be a meaningful gaming experience, it highlights the technology company's strategic goals in advancing the gaming industry.
YouTube, a platform usually associated with video content, has stepped up its game by entering the world of gaming. Although YouTube does not offer serious gaming, its entry into the gaming sector marks a change in the landscape of the industry. Meanwhile, Netflix, known for its focus on binge-watching, introduced gaming.
Customers access certain games by downloading a special app on their phone or tablet, with Netflix acting as a gateway. While the Netflix app itself doesn't facilitate gaming, a subscription provides access to games related to popular Netflix shows like Narcos and Stranger Things, as well as indie games like Hello Kitty and Football Manager.
Apple, aware of the Mac's historical weakness in gaming despite its impressive capabilities, introduced Game Mode for macOS. This feature is designed to enhance the Mac gaming experience and is aimed at both casual gamers and experienced professionals.
Apple's M series processors also received a gaming-focused update, showing the company's efforts to attract gamers to the Mac platform. Game Mode is seamlessly integrated and activates automatically during gameplay, allowing users to enjoy almost all AAA games on Mac, a feature missing from previous generations of macOS.
YouTube, a platform designed for diverse content, enters the gaming arena with YouTube Playables, an exclusive offering for Premium subscribers. Premium subscribers have access to the Playable tab, which offers a wide selection of games such as Angry Birds Showdown, Daily Crossword, Freecell Solitaire, and others. YouTube's move reflects its awareness of the large gaming audience and aims to attract them to a variety of gaming experiences.
