Netflix expanding console streaming to 'variety of platforms'

Xbox 360-streaming film-rental giant looking for "Engineering Leader--Gaming Platforms" to "rapidly" expand services to multiple consoles.

Since it went online as part of last November's New Xbox Experience, Netflix's Xbox 360 video-streaming service has seen more than 1 million people sign up. That number is made even more impressive by the fact the Los Gatos, California-based company--best known for its mail-based DVD rental and PC streaming service--has only 10 million subscribers in total.

Coming soon to a(nother) console near you?

Now, it appears that Netflix is looking to expand its presence in the gaming space even further. According to a job listing on its Web site, Netflix is looking to hire an "Engineering Leader--Gaming Platforms" to direct "a small technology team to rapidly prototype and iterate on a variety of platforms." (Emphasis added.)

Though it never names a console in particular, the listing repeatedly emphasizes that Netflix wants to work on multiple gaming devices. "The gaming platforms team is...tasked with bringing the latest generation of movie discovery and delivery technology to the gaming console platforms our growing subscribers use every day," reads the job description.

Though Netflix reps did not immediately return requests for clarification as to which platforms it is working on, its listing underlines that the company wants applicants with "experience with digital media on embedded platforms...ideally on one or more gaming consoles."

The most obvious suspect for Netflix's next video-streaming endeavor is the PlayStation 3, which already digitally distributes movies and television shows for rental and purchase. The Wii is also a faint possibility, considering that Nintendo will launch a video service for the popular console in Japan later this year. That said, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata declared last week that any Wii video service would be "different" than those of its competitors.

152 Comments

  • ColdfireTrilogy

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 1:13 pm PT

    Oh please give us PS3 netflix asap! Im tired of hooking my HDTV up to my PC.

  • Senor_Kami

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:03 pm PT

    When they mentioned "leader" I think theres a 100% chance this means it'll be on the Wii. It's in so many household, and it's not just in the homes of ultra tech-savvy 14-35 year old males.

  • Packfan104L4

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:06 pm PT

    Well now Microsoft won't be able to say "Pay $50 a year so you can get Netflix through our console" when Sony might be able to say "Stream Netflix through the PSN for FREE (with a Netflix sub)." in the future.

  • CVM_123

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:09 pm PT

    i hope it comes to ps3

  • HUNTER-VENOM

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:11 pm PT

    I have Netflix on my 360 and it's awesome. I'm pretty sure you Sony fans will be seeing it soon enough, don't worry there not worried about stupid fanboy console wars, there a company and expanding business is the best thing for them even on the Wii. Fanboys suck! have a good day.

  • Dante2710 posted Apr 13, 2009 2:13 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Dante2710

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:13 pm PT (hide)

    hmmm, sounds good, prob for the wii

  • Packfan104L4 posted Apr 13, 2009 2:18 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Packfan104L4

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:18 pm PT (hide)

    Hunter, if that was aimed at me, I in no way meant "360 sux PS3 ftw!" I just hate how Microsoft gouges to pay online when the PSN is slowly catching up. I'm admitting that the PSN isn't up to par with XBL yet, but with the slow introduction of bandwidth caps, internet cost increases, AND paying to play online, XBL will be very expensive in the future.

  • TXMostWanted

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:18 pm PT

    Hopefully for the PS3, it'll be good to have more providers for movie rentals ;-)

  • Gamer_4_Fun

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:21 pm PT

    I smell PS3.

  • SalarianChemist

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:26 pm PT

    Putting Netflix on PS3 will actually contribute to the death of Blu-ray.

  • mikejames07

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:27 pm PT

    For those who don't know, there is a software out now called PlayOn and you just install it on a pc that's on the same network as your ps3. It allows you to watch your youtube favorites, hulu, cbs and Netflix instant queue on the ps3. It works with 360 and the wii also. I think it's around $30 but there is a free trial available

  • SwampKitten

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:29 pm PT

    If it goes to the Wii it'd just be in SD correct? VHS would be cheaper .

  • SpikedStrider

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:35 pm PT

    I hope the PS3 gets all of the features of the 360. I love my 360, but competition is always a good thing.

  • OmegaGear

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:39 pm PT

    I really don't care about it being on the PS3, because there's already a boat of options when it comes to watching video on it. How about the PSP? Streaming video to it anywhere with a wifi connection would be awesome.

  • wallywallas

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:42 pm PT

    I guess it could be on the PS3, but since you can already buy movies and TV shows on the PSN, would they compete?

    BTW, Blu-Ray is far and away, much better than HD streaming. A big reason for this is the a lack of true sound quality, a lack of special features, and choppy images.

    Streaming 25gb's still isn't possible for everyone... not yet at least.

  • FanboyRehab

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:44 pm PT

    I would just have to laugh if this service became available for PS3 because when it was announced as exclusive to the 360 Sony mocked it. I swear these companies can be more childish than their fanboys sometimes.

  • k0r3aN_pR1d3

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:45 pm PT

    "Any Wii video service would be "different" than those of its competitors."

    Different as in = no HD.

  • jamesisonline

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:48 pm PT

    This is a great option for those who aren't running HDTIVO boxes. I'm already using the Netflix streaming movie service on my HDTIVO and it's excellent. I have almost no wait time from the time I place movies in my queue to clicking play on the remote. Hopefully, Netflix can port this service to perform for those with game consoles.

  • raahsnavj

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:50 pm PT

    "any Wii video service would be "different" than those of its competitors."

    of course it would. Nintendo doesn't know how to do online anything so I don't see them making anything worthwhile themselves... Now if netflix got in on it, sure it would be SD, but it is still a better bet than trying to get the PS3 blu-ray enabled install base to take notice.

  • backatcha

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:54 pm PT

    I'm signing up if it comes to PS3.

  • dinb

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:55 pm PT

    Hey Netflix, how about you bring xbox 360 streaming to Canada first before expanding into unknown business ventures. With xbox 360 streaming in Canada there is no need for setting up physical DVD distribution sites or anything. Guaranteed earnings right there.

  • zaphod_b

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:57 pm PT

    Netflix streaming to the PS3 would be great. I could stream to my PS3 in the family room and my 360 in the bedroom! Hurry up, Netflix!

  • meluvulongtime8

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 2:57 pm PT

    I'd be great if it came to either the Wii or the PS3. I'd be fine with either one. I recently sent Netflix an email stating my feelings in regards to this. It's cool that 360 owners can already do this, but it requires a gold membership and I don't want to pay for gold. Currently I just hook my laptop up to my TV and home theater if I want to watch some instantview, but it'd be a heck of a lot nicer if all I had to do was turn on my PS3 or Wii. @ SalarianChemist Netflix has a long ways to go before it can compete w/ Blu ray. It's great for catching up on some tv series and catching up on some movies, but that's about it. The selection isn't very good and the SD content looks pretty bad imo. Some look downright terrible. A large number of the newer movies added are only available for limited periods of time. The HD content is pretty good, but still isn't nearly as crisp as visuals on Blu ray. Also, Netflix themselves have stated they don't foresee being more focused on their streaming service vs. physical media anytime in the near foreseeable future.

  • okassar

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:00 pm PT

    Tomorrow's Headline:"Microsoft offers 1 billion dollars to Netflix to cease its efforts to expand onto other platforms." LOOLL.Naa,it's not that much of an assett,but I have to say,I love the streaming through the Xbox thing,I signed up myself because of that transition onto the 360--I actually just finished watching Heroes in HD quality on my big screen

  • BigD

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:01 pm PT

    Wii would make more financial sense for Netflix give the install base. Now if only they can figured out how to expand their service to Canada. I will gladly give them my $10 a month.

  • HUNTER-VENOM

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:02 pm PT

    Packfan104L4 no my comment wasn't aimed at you just fanboys in general.

  • HUNTER-VENOM

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:10 pm PT

    And for the people who don't have netflix it's awesome! I suggest you check it out. First you get a free week,the movies come in the mail and come in a mailing sleeve so you can put it in your mailbox when your done,some movies you have to order in the mail some you can stream or order,easy to stop your account,you can have a HUNDRED or more movies to choose from on your console or PC by making your own list,you can pick your plan and have a ton of movies come in the mail,no late fees or bills piling up you don't pay you don't watch and the best part no going to the movie store.

  • rasterror

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:12 pm PT

    The more the merrier. More money for netflix and other companies means more jobs and more people to enjoy its service. I love netflix on my 360 and knew I would get it the day it came out for the console. You can get it on the PS3 but imagine if you could get streaming on the PSP and Dsi? I would have to pick up a PSP again.

  • DuaneDog

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:17 pm PT

    I signed up the moment it became available on Xbox Live and I dropped my blockbuster account. Great service that I have recommended to all my friends.

  • Generic_Dude

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:18 pm PT

    Gnarly. This is great news.

  • rasterror

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:19 pm PT

    DuaneDog

    You were still using blockbuster? You know there is the $1 movie box rental.

  • Lisaanne30

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:24 pm PT

    That is awesome would be great if they did that.

  • Genocide6sic6

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:24 pm PT

    Signed up as soon as it hit the 360. Love it love it love it. GREAT documentaries available through steaming.

    "I Like Killing Flies" is an enigma. Check it out.

  • SoNin360

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:27 pm PT

    Well that would be one less advantage 360 users could rub in

  • HisCreation

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:27 pm PT

    Maybe they should start by making it available to every that owns a 360... Like in Canada for example. Just a thought. America isn't the only market in this world.

  • maverick_76

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:36 pm PT

    I like the video store on the PSN already, but I can see this as a good option for people that don't mind paying a monthly fee. Since I rarely watch movies (I work for Blockbuster, go figure) I don't think it would be too economical for me. I would rather pay as I go, but for movies buffs this could be awesome.

  • kcwsk8

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:41 pm PT

    PS3 already has a good movie store. It would be cool to see them combine services though. However I think it will come to Wii.

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:45 pm PT

    it wont come to ps3 they already got one in america and are making their own one in europe

  • mark_hoben

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:50 pm PT

    Perhaps their small technology team could also convert a few decent movies from say the last decade or so to be available via streaming? If their success with XBL tells them anything they should know their platter-based business model is going to get a run for the money - soon.

  • Sendmn23

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:56 pm PT

    If gaming goes to completely digital distribution I'm out!! While its a neat feature to have I prefer a hard copy anyday. Its not my cup of tea!!!

  • Tranceplant

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:59 pm PT

    Well, seems like we can kiss that exclusivity goodbye.

  • ZaluRagar posted Apr 13, 2009 4:02 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    ZaluRagar

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:02 pm PT (hide)

    Hard copies are well and good until you get it scratched/flash the card too many times.

    Digital is something you can always get again (for example, with Steam). You can't have it lost, destroyed, or stolen.

  • art_milonakis

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:06 pm PT

    Well, the ps3 lready have a good video store, so it probably will come to the Wii.

  • soccerholik

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:06 pm PT

    If only you could have netflix in Canada...

  • art_milonakis

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:08 pm PT

    Both the ps3 and the xbox360 have good video stores, so it probably will hit the Wii.

  • bulletsword

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:13 pm PT

    on the other hand, regular mailbox Netflix is just fine

  • gamerTag-shank

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:14 pm PT

    I'm sure they are targeting the PS3. The 360 also has separate PPV movie offerings, but Netflix just adds to it, with no additional cost per movie. The only thing I would like to see them add is the ability to browse the entire netflix library from my console, and not just the movies I've added to my streaming queue.

  • randy120

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:34 pm PT

    I use Netflix streaming on my 360 several times a week. It is great for series like Jericho, Heroes, Weeds, etc. The HD is very good and will only get better. Netflix is adding to other HDTV and set top boxrd also. It is easy to see streaming is a huge growth area for Netflix. If I could have every movie streamed I would let the disks fade into history.

  • sgt-hawkins

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:44 pm PT

    lol just to throw in my two cents dont the ds-i have some kind of video thing or somthing maybe thats what they are doing ... though i really doubt it

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