Netflix has often been criticized by subscribers for not offering video games by mail as well as DVDs when so many competitors are doing just that. That's about to change, as the company is breaking off its DVD-by-mail service into Qwikster, which will also offer games.
The change will occur sometime in the next few weeks, according to a post on the company's blog from CEO Reed Hastings. The "Netflix" brand will continue on with its successful video streaming service, while Qwikster goes postal. Games, like Blu-rays in the current setup, will be an upgrade option, with PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii titles all to be available.
UPDATE: 4:00 PM GameFly responds to Netflix's announcement.
The first thing many of you thought of when you heard this news was, "Isn't this exactly what GameFly does?" To an extent, yes, GameFly does offer a similar service. However, as GameFly points out in their response to the news about Qwikster, they offer a more gamer-centric service.
"GameFly has expanded steadily over the past nine years by focusing exclusively on video gamers. We are the only retailer offering games physically and digitally for both rental and purchase. Gamers can try before they buy, choosing from new releases and classic titles that span the last decade. GameFly has more than 8000 games for 10 console and handheld systems to choose from, and over 1500 Windows/Mac games are available for download. Many of these Windows/Mac games will be available in our “Unlimited PC Play” program (free to subscribers), when we launch our new digital client this holiday season. GameFly is the leading video game rental service, and we have continued to grow even as Blockbuster and Redbox increased their investment in console games."
Do you think GameFly is worried Qwikster's service will cut into their sales?
Source: Netflix
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KilledFirst
For how much GameFly charges, they should be nervous of Quickster. If I can get better shipping services at a cheaper rate, I'll drop GameFly quickly.
youconduit
netflix freezes my DS :(
pmedina75
Unless they have a better streaming selection there is no way I will get Netflix again. The online selection were movies that went straight to DVD, old movies, or B movies that I had never heard of.
legmasterp
I would get Qwikster if the price is in line with blockbuster online. I like the price for blockbuster online. maybe the games could save them from the Starz nagtiations.
JRX75
yeaaaaaaaa buddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!! !!
Jeymon
I dropped DVD service at Netflix a few months ago, but I am definitely interested in video game rentals through Qwikster. I already subscribe to Gamefly but I'm not completely happy with the service. I live in southern California and even though there's supposed to be a warehouse here it takes about a week turn around between games which I think is too slow. If Qwikster can offer faster service with a competitive price to Gamefly they have my attention.
Phantom751
Many people have complained already about the horrendous movie selection for instant watch, but could the splitting possibly lead to Netflix updating their online selection?
Butcherbaylee
The name Sucks, I don't really care if they do starts caring video games, I dropped Netflix the moment they tried to charge me more for the same stuff I Already been getting :( If they go back to the old price I would care more but they havent.
Eyekon
I live in Michigan and gamefly ships to me very fast, but I send my returns straight to the main post office downtown maybe that is why.
Wildcard273
I agree with you BonerJam. We dropped the streaming service because it frankly sucks. It has some decent shows on there, but the movie selection was horrendous. There's no way I was going to pay more for that terrible service.
TheBRADLeyB
I don't fully like the name 'Qwikster' but 'Netflix' does seem to fit the Streaming more then the DVD Part. In fact I don't know why they named it Netflix... I guess because you used the Net to select your DVDs?
Anyway I read the letter this morning and although I cut to streaming only (which I still had a movie out I never watched and is now stolen so I'm still getting charged the 16 bucks until I call today and tell them I have to pay for Tiptoes) I'll be very interested in the Video Game part of the DVD Mail now.
I like the Idea and Theory of GameFly but for me (living in Illinois) it takes 4-5 Business Days to get a Video Game from Texas or Pennsylvania and considering it takes that amount of time to sometimes get back to the wharehouses I can't justify myself paying 16 bucks a month for that but Netflix has a Wharehouse right next door (a few towns over) so i've always received the DVDs within a day.
I wonder how GameFly stock is going to react. I mean shoot, if you leave near a wharehouse keeps GameFly but for me netflix would make more sense.
Of course that is depending on how they do the game services. Maybe they'll only have 4 wharehouses set up for Games as well and I'll still be screwed.
GregoryDaniel
GregoryDaniel's comment is abusive and has been removed.
JuanMas69
Yeah, well I'm keeping Pirate Radio. Take THAT, Netflix.
BONERJAM
I dropped Netflix after having it for years because of the price increase. It wasn't a huge increase but to me it was about the principal, I'm not paying twice the price for a service that isn't improved in anyway(oh the the streaming service is filled with crap). I couldn't careless what Netflix is doing now.
fakeSKITTLEZ
so... what ur saying is now that i have netflix, i wont be able to order movies they dont have for the [horrific quality] streaming feature? fuuuuuuuuuuuu... i want my neighborhood blockbuster back. walking down the street to get anything i wanted was so much better than this netflix/ gamefly/ etc shenanigans.
njdss4
So now we have to manage two accounts instead of one, and we'll have to pay more money if we want video games even though Netflix just increased their prices this very month. How is this a good thing?
Infamous_Bizarro
I'll stick with Gamefly! Cuz Gamefly is awesome
CareyGrant
Read this article over at Kotaku. Here's the gist of it:
Two separate companies. Two bills. Two separate queues. Two separate logins. Two different websites. Completely separate services.
And it's being postulated that DVD-Netflix aka "Qwikster" (what a HORRIBLE name) is being separated to be sold off.
Netflix, you had the killer app and then you killed it. Bravo.
sinner94
I don't know how well people will take it to, I know I won't because I normally get a new game in maybe 4 days. Ever since Gamefly changed their way of sending games, which is that as soon as the post office scans the envelope they notify Gamefly and Gamefly will then send you your next game. So in essence you will technically have more games out at certain times then you pay for the service of it doesn't effect how much you pay, And it increased the speed of receiving games exponentially.
vole182
Screw Gamefly and Netflix! Its all about Blockbuster online. 20 bucks a month gets me 3 bluray mvoies or games.
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