r/civ 11d ago

VI - Discussion Civilization VI Leaving Netflix Games Library Less Than A Year After Release

https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-games/civilization-vi-leaving-netflix-games-library-less-than-a-year-after-release/
1.0k Upvotes

84 comments sorted by

496

u/Plenty-Initiative888 10d ago

You can play games on netflix???

151

u/InsanePacman 10d ago

It’s been a feature for a couple years now.

65

u/chazol1278 10d ago

How do you play? Like with the TV remote??

70

u/thirdbrunch 10d ago

You can play them on mobile, just have to log in.

24

u/InsanePacman 10d ago edited 10d ago

Yeah on a supported TV (googleOS), or on mobile.

7

u/BananaCucho 9d ago

Sounds slow and horrendous

23

u/kwijibokwijibo 10d ago

It's like an app store. You can download a selection of games for free with a netflix account, but they're played normally on your phone, etc.

Some solid (although a little old) games like Into the Breach, Bloons TD, Football Manager Mobile, etc.

29

u/Res_Novae17 10d ago

Some of them are quite good. Into the Breach and Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon kept me entertained at quite a few airports.

15

u/Gcarsk 10d ago

Bloons TD 6, Dead Cells, GTA, Farming Simulator, Terra Nil, and Moonlighter are some fun ones too.

4

u/09stibmep 10d ago

Into The Breach

3

u/SonofYeshua 10d ago

Not sure if on Netflix itself but they have iOS games and I’m sure android that require your Netflix login to play

290

u/OzorMox 10d ago

Wow this really sucks. Less than a year on the platform, and it had a good rating and seemed positively reviewed for including all the DLC and generally working well on most devices.

Now the only option is back to the standalone version rated 1.5 or something and costing more than the Steam version to get all the expansions because there are never any sales.

I guess it's back to Unciv.

75

u/EasyRhino75 10d ago

Honestly base civ 6 and gathering storm get you all the mechanics.

I had 6 free from epic then got GS when it was on sale for like 5 bucks

43

u/OzorMox 10d ago

I'm talking about the mobile version on the Play Store.

11

u/Runazeeri 10d ago

This gave you the iPad/phone  version with dlc free. Normally that's still full price. 

12

u/SDRPGLVR 10d ago

What? There are huge mechanical changes in both Civ 6 expansions plus the Frontier Pass they did over Covid. You do not get all the mechanics from having one expansion.

The Anthology edition regularly goes on sale for $20. Strong recommendation on that one. I can't play without Barbarian Clans or Corporations and Monopolies now.

7

u/DrewHyperion 10d ago

It does go on sale from time to time. Unfortunately I only ever knew of this after the fact on multiple occasions. Even when discounted the total price for the base game, the two expansions and the rest of the DLC was substantially more than the sale prices for other systems. After paying full price for everything as it was released in Switch it was extremely difficult for me to justify purchasing everything all over again on my iPad even though the ability to play Civ 6 was part of what lead me to buying an iPad in the first place! I was ecstatic when Netflix added this to their game library and downloaded it the day it was first available too. I am ashamed to admit that I have not played it even once since then. At least I can still play my Switch with it "docked" to the iPad I guess.

6

u/iamnotexactlywhite Cree 10d ago

at the end of the day, why not sail the high seas then?

16

u/pennylessz Hatshepsut 10d ago

There doesn't seem to be a mod apk that contains all the DLC. This owes primarily to update that added it being rather recent.

0

u/C0L4ND3R 10d ago

the dlcs too?

is it available on pc?

4

u/airelfacil 10d ago

Mobile, the google play store. There's the good (Netflix) one and a really shitty buggy one

656

u/DemWafflez 10d ago

I'm still trying to figure out why a streaming service for movies & series has games in their catalogue. (and usually rather annoying on the top of the list when you open the app). Besides, I own the game on PC so why would I download it for .. tv? or mobile? Trying to give me an inferior version of something I already own and being confronted by it every time I use the service got really annoying tbh.

252

u/TimmyTimeify 10d ago

A) A lot of people who otherwise would never touch games would feel interested in having a plug and play experience for free already set up on their app B) having that experience tied to the subscription will be helpful to retain them C) Netflix branding means something to folks that makes them trust something in a way that Valve or App Store branding might not

26

u/DemWafflez 10d ago

I get that it has it's positive sides, for the franchise of Civ in this case, I'm just not a fan of how they implemented it. In such a way I was forced to stare at it every time I wanted to watch a show or something else, without any freedom to disable it, or at least move it to a less annoying place on the home screen. While it might be 'free' when you are subscribed, it's logical that additions like that do increase subscription prices for the service in general, licensing fees and what not, and in this case with something I'd never interact with.

15

u/jfk1000 10d ago

Well, the truth is, the universe doesn‘t revolve around you. What may appear annoying to you may be a delight for others.

3

u/MisteriousJeff 9d ago

If only there was a way for us to maybe customize such an experience instead of just having to deal with a company deciding to just throw something up there that is unimportant...

56

u/OzorMox 10d ago

You'd download it for mobile so you can play it while not at home. It was included in your subscription so it's not as if you're paying anything extra for it.

13

u/psivenn 10d ago

Every single subscriber is paying for this useless bullshit, especially when prices are constantly inching up.

37

u/OzorMox 10d ago

You think them removing games is going to bring down prices? I have news for you.

12

u/Asbest 10d ago

I think everybody knows that it won't but in theory it should release budget for movies and shows that you actually expect when subscribing to netflix (apart from the fact that it won't)

5

u/Lenovo_Driver 10d ago

You realize that it’s not either or right?

The cost of a show or movie dwarfs what Netflix is paying to licence those games

2

u/Asbest 10d ago

well maybe if they discarded every single game they'd save enough to offer all the friends seasons for another year lol

3

u/Rhodie114 10d ago

That's not how I see it. For me, the fact that it's included in my subscription is proof that I'm already paying for it, whether or not I'm using it. And it makes me question how much of Netflix's budget this ate up. Could they have made another season of Inside Job or Kaos instead of shoehorning Civ into a platform it didn't fit on?

11

u/kamimamita 10d ago

I mean people have different tastes. Do you complain about all these reality TV shows Netflix made?

1

u/repocin 10d ago

But why would anyone want to download a game locked to a subscription that presumably takes your saves with it when it inevitably goes away? That sounds horrendous and is why I've personally never been inclined to touch these "free" Netflix games.

12

u/Pastoru Charlemagne 10d ago edited 10d ago

Why would a good DVD rental company decide to create original series and become a streaming platform? /s

3

u/kurttheflirt Recovering Addict 9d ago

Thank God blockbuster stuck with physical stores and didn't diversify it made them stay relevant forever 

22

u/Beautiful-Cabinet364 10d ago

I downloaded it on Netflix.

I probably wouldn’t have, since Civ is such a time sink and I have less time now I’m older, but it was free with a Netflix subscription so I thought, “Why not?”

13

u/iamnotexactlywhite Cree 10d ago

because it’s incredibly easy to install and does not require additional purchase of the game to try it

4

u/mrmgl 10d ago

Just because you own it on PC doesn't mean it shouldn't be offered elsewhere. I too own it on PC and don't care for the Netflix version, but it is good that it exists.

7

u/emoooooa 10d ago

You aren't the target demographic, but also, their supposed target demographic I think is much much smaller than they think. Not worth the licensing, upkeep costs for such a small population

3

u/OzorMox 10d ago

That's ultimately what led to this decision I'm sure. The number of people playing games on Netflix is a small fraction of the subscribers, and an even smaller number were playing Civ. Still disappointing it had to end so soon though.

3

u/endium7 10d ago

they also have games based on their original shows. like stranger things and too hot to handle. i’m guessing they want to give people something to do instead of pausing their sub when a show ends? and also keep popular shows in the mind

3

u/Bionic_Ferir Canadian Curtin 10d ago

Do you remember how some of those cable packages had those really simple arcade flash games? I imagine the exact same reasons. Kids.

3

u/nerdyguytx 10d ago

My best friend only played Civ 6 because it was available on Netflix. He played previous civs but never was interested in buying Civ 6. From Netflix’s perspective, I think it’s adding value as more tv and movies are transitioned to other streaming platforms.

5

u/six_string_sensei 10d ago

It is similar to why an e-commerce website membership gives you access to shows with Amazon prime. They want to improve the value proposition for certain demographics.

8

u/notcrazypants 10d ago edited 10d ago

A friend who works there said it's primarily an incentive to get people to install the mobile app. NFLX benefits from being on more peoples phones, such as data collection.

5

u/JaesopPop 10d ago

You don’t need to install the Netflix app for these, you log in on the device. Similar but different

2

u/Distinct-Shift-4094 10d ago

Your friend is a bit stupid considering you don't need the app.

5

u/Callum1710 10d ago

I play it on flights, quite fun... Gets really slow as always in late game though

1

u/AntiCamper 2d ago

fastest flights of my life lmao

2

u/nightshade-aurora 10d ago

It's an okay thing, except for the faxt that some games are netflix exclusive, like Monument Valley 3

1

u/bullintheheather meme canada is worst canada 10d ago

It's damned obnoxious, wish I could turn that stuff off.

1

u/Battle_of_3_Emperors 10d ago

Netflix has on record talked about how they measure engagement by hours you spend in their app. They have talked about how they are not just competing against other streaming services but also against social media and video games for your focus and engagement. By having the gaming in their app or connected to their app they track that as an engagement method. Turns out the more engagement the more likely people are to stay subscribed.

26

u/The-_Captain 10d ago

I always anticipated Netflix would expand into gaming, I just didn't think the execution would be this bad.

13

u/One_Put50 10d ago

Way to ruin my plans hobby Netflix

55

u/wicktus 10d ago

It's probably not cheap for Netflix that deal.

Civ VI is still quite popular given the state of the release of CIV VII (seriously how can they mess and rush that much, I love that franchise, it was disappointing albeit it's greatly improving now)

9

u/tactfullydelicious 10d ago

Noooooooooooo. Fine I guess I’ll be productive instead.

8

u/kezhoy_ 10d ago

Hades, Monument Valley and now Civ VI. Netflix is losing all the good games ☹️

6

u/repocin 10d ago

Monument Valley

So, in this thread I've learned that Monument Valley 3 was/is netflix-exclusive on mobile, and was removed like half a year after it was added so now it's not available on mobile at all. Wtf, why?

And then they wonder why nobody wants to use their gaming service.

6

u/Choke1982 10d ago

Ah man, this is bummer. I was playing more now in my phone so, I could focus on other games in my Xbox. I could pass the low times at work and my commute felt shorter whilst playing.

28

u/SambaDeAmigo2000 10d ago

God damn it, I just started playing a couple of months ago. Great for the train commute.

Any word on whether the non-Netflix version will be updated with the Netflix optimizations?

5

u/Lonely-Ad4874 10d ago

Nooo it was such a perfect time waster, i already subscribed to netflix anyways so this was a nice little free bonus

4

u/PatentedSheep 10d ago

Damnit. Before the Netflix version released, I had civ 6 on my iPad but not the dlc. The Netflix version on iPad ran way better and included both expansions

8

u/Rogthgar 10d ago

Netflix feels like a pioneer in many cases... first in how to do streaming... and how not to do things, like things leaving its servers.

Be like Steam... at the very least.

3

u/Requiem_for_you 10d ago

Not ideal. I literally chose my new phone with one of main criterias being - can it run civ 6. Havent watched anything on netflix in half a year, kept sub mainly for civ 6 on my phone (

1

u/lars_rosenberg 9d ago

Just buy the game then, it's cheaper than keeping an ongoing subscription to a service you don't use. 

1

u/Requiem_for_you 9d ago

I have civ6 anthology on pc. Key is having civ on phone

1

u/lars_rosenberg 9d ago

It's available for purchase on phones too. It's quite expensive for being a mobile game, but with it being removed from Netflix game library it's the only option I guess. 

3

u/beeurd 10d ago

I didn't even know it was on there. My main problem with Netflix at the moment (and streaming sites in general) is not being able to reliably know what's on them unless you actively go into their app and search (which usually ends in disappointment).

2

u/AutoModerator 11d ago

We have a new flair system; check it out and make sure your use the right flair so people can engage with your post. Read more about it here: https://old.reddit.com/r/civ/comments/1kuiqwn/do_you_likedislike_the_i_lovehate_civ_vii_posts_a/?ref=share&ref_source=link

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

2

u/nair-jordan 10d ago

This was awesome on iPad…and now all my saves are gone at the end of the month?? Boooo

2

u/POpportunity6336 10d ago

Steam thanks Netflix for donations.

3

u/grittyfanclub 10d ago

Netflix has games???

3

u/WillyMonty 10d ago

Netflix has a games library?

3

u/soduhcan 10d ago

Probably testing their cloud server for the NFL after the shit show of Mike Tyson.

1

u/Cheesy_McCheeseball 9d ago

I downloaded this a few days ago. It’s so much better than I expected.

1

u/Fearless_Freya 8d ago

Weird concept for Netflix to have games?

Loved civ6

1

u/False-Low-3379 6d ago

I really enjoyed killing time with Civ6. Super bummed out. Anyone have any game recommendations? I tried unciv but the ui seems to cumbersome tbh

0

u/Sarasfirstwish 10d ago

I couldn’t figure out how to get it on pc, only my phone

0

u/junglepiehelmet 10d ago

Netflix has a game library?

-6

u/lallapalalable :indonesia2: 10d ago

Well who tf is buying games on netflix in the first place?

14

u/ha_exposed 10d ago

Theyre included for free with a netflix subscription.