PlayStation and ‘Netflix Game’ imagery found in the Netflix app’s data

Imagery from PlayStation products have reportedly been found in the Netflix app’s code.

The images show a render of two DualSense controllers, artwork from Ghost of Tsushima, a logo that says N Games and a shark icon.

Dataminer Steve Moser claims that Shark is the current working name of Netflix’s gaming functionality, and states that the presence of PlayStation imagery could indicate a partnership between Netflix and Sony which may see PlayStation games being offered through Netflix in some way.

In April, Netflix agreed a multi-year US licensing deal granting it exclusive rights to house Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) films following their theatrical and home entertainment release windows.

Building on Netflix’s pre-existing deal with Sony Pictures Animation films, the agreement gives the streaming giant exclusive “first pay window” rights to SPE movies beginning with its 2022 film slate, including the upcoming Uncharted movie.

Sony already has its own PlayStation Now subscription service, which enables players to stream a selection of PS2, PS3 and PS4 games. Alternatively, players can download most of the PS4 games and some of the PS2 games in the library.

Netflix announced earlier this week that it has appointed former Electronic Arts and Facebook executive Mike Verdu to lead its expansion into the video games market.

Netflix intends to add video games to its streaming platform within the 12 months, presented as a new programming genre, according to a Bloomberg source said to be familiar with the plans.

The company isn’t currently planning to charge extra for access to the games, they added, although the new content may help it justify subscription price rises further down the line.

Netflix is now recruiting for game development related roles on its website, although it’s claimed the California-based company has yet to decide on a game development strategy.

Axios gaming reporter Stephen Totilo added on Twitter that the latest information he had was that Netflix was planning to offer downloadable games rather than game streaming.