January 23, 2025
Tech News
Netflix achieved record-breaking subscriber growth last year, driven by its crackdown on password sharing and the popularity of its ad-supported subscription tier. The platform’s focus on diverse content, including original series, films, and live comedy specials like Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage,” has reinforced its dominance in the streaming industry.
Paramount Plus reported a significant subscriber increase around Super Bowl LVII, leveraging the NFL’s massive audience to boost its numbers. Peacock also experienced substantial growth by streaming key sports events, such as the NFL AFC Wild Card Game and the Paris Summer Olympics. These successes highlight how live sports are driving subscriber growth and reshaping the competitive landscape of streaming platforms.
Meanwhile, in the gaming sector, Leanne Loombe, a former Netflix executive, has taken the helm at Annapurna Interactive as executive vice president and head of games. Loombe will tackle the challenges posed by a recent upheaval within the gaming label, which lost its staff last year due to disagreements on the company’s future direction.
Loombe’s extensive background includes building Netflix’s game development and publishing arm, where she contributed to notable titles and the cloud gaming initiative. Now, she aims to revitalize Annapurna Interactive, known for acclaimed indie games like Stray and Outer Wilds, and re-establish a supportive environment for developers.
In the world of film, the new trailer for Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 provides a darkly humorous insight into the challenges of colonizing alien worlds. It features Mickey Barnes, played by Robert Pattinson, who unknowingly takes on hazardous tasks in his role as an “expendable” on a spaceship. The trailer highlights the dangers of his assignment, with a comical yet grim depiction of the consequences of ignoring the fine print in labor contracts.
Tech Explained
Subscriber – A subscriber is a person or entity that signs up for a service, often for a fee. In the context of streaming services like Netflix, subscribers access content such as movies and live events, contributing to the platform’s overall revenue and viewership numbers.
Cloud Gaming – Cloud gaming refers to playing video games via the internet without needing substantial hardware. Services stream the game directly to the player’s device, allowing for access to high-quality games on various platforms, as Netflix is looking to expand upon.
Live Events – Live events are real-time broadcasts that audience members can watch as they happen, often featuring sports or significant occasions. Netflix’s strategy to include live events illustrates its shift towards content that captivates audiences and enhances subscriber engagement.
Indie Game – Indie games are video games developed by individuals or small teams without the financial support of large publishers. Annapurna Interactive specializes in these titles, which often emphasize creativity and innovative gameplay, such as Stray and Outer Wilds.
3D Printing – 3D printing is the process of creating three-dimensional objects from digital files, layer by layer, using materials like plastic or metal. In Mickey 17, 3D printing plays a pivotal role in the cloning of characters, reflecting futuristic tech used to explore themes in the narrative.
