Netflix Introduces Qwikster, Adds Game Rentals
Reed Hastings, Co-Founder and CEO of Netflix recently unveiled some pretty big changes coming to the massively popular video streaming service. In addition to apologizing for the new pricing scheme that upset many of their customers, Hastings unveiled a new mail-based service called Qwikster that will take the place Netflix’s DVD mail service and include video games.
Since streaming has become so popular for the company, Netflix proper will become a streaming-only service, while Qwikster will serve as the company’s new mail-based option. Video games will be integrated much like Blu-ray movies; for a premium price, rentals for games on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii will all be available.
For a full explanation and apology for the price hike, check out the video below:
While the name is pretty lousy and the fragmentation is bound to confuse a number of customers, having video games included in the service is a huge win for gamers. Up until now, GameFly has pretty much dominated this market, so it’ll be nice to see a bit more competition in the area.
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8 Responses to “Netflix Introduces Qwikster, Adds Game Rentals”
Netflix is still outrageously expensive. Adding video games won’t change that. Call me old fashioned, but I’d rather go buy a game and be able to keep it and call it my own than renting it from anywhere.
l was hoping this would happen. l know l can rely on Netflix service. Hopefully this will be at a way lower price than gamefly
I don’t think communicating would have made a difference.
But what do they mean by adding game rentals. Blockbuster already includes games with their Netflixesque plan but the games offered are a month or two old. Will this be the same or more like GameFly?
I currently use Gamefly, and will be looking at Qwikster when my sub runs out later this year. If their plans are relatively close, I can see myself subbing. Gamefly has HORRIBLE shipping (up to a week in a few cases) and if I can get DVDs when I want them, that just added value.
Whats next for Netflix/Qwikster? Audiobooks? (YES PLEASE!!!) Porn? (O.O)
I doubt they want to compete with Amazon because they will get murdered unless they are much cheaper. Oh, and about the last one. It’s already there you just have to look for it haha.
Amazon doesn’t rent audiobooks. If I could rent them rather than buy, they’d have me hooked for a while. As for porn, I’m well aware there are some other services out there. But it’s only a natural step at some point.
I’m with ya on looking at Qwikster as a possibly Gamefly replacement. I frequently experience a full 1-2 week turnaround time… when I do the math, that means half the subscription I’m paying for is just waiting for a damn game to come in.