HBO Follows Netflix Into Free Phone Games

Continuing the weird streaming-platforms-now-do-free-mobile-gaming custom just lately pioneered by Netflix, HBO announced on Monday that it’s partnering with Glow Up Games, an organization based by girls of shade, to supply a free cell providing based mostly on the unique hit sequence Insecure.

In a press release, HBO stated that Insecure: The Come Up Game, because the mission is at present identified, brings gamers into the world of the present’s major character, Issa Dee, bringing her “friendships, drama, and misadventures to life.” What any of which means from a gaming perspective isn’t instantly clear, though the sport will reportedly embody options that permit customers to rap battle in a “fast-paced rhyme and lyric mini game” and storylines that grant gamers the power to “support your friends, fight gentrification, [and] create the culture.” Again, none of that makes it completely apparent how any of this may translate to a playable sport, however it appears clear that the sport’s major purpose might be to assist gamers relive their favourite moments from the sequence.

“At Glow Up Games, our mission is to create innovative game stories that center black and brown joy, and as huge fans of Insecure, this could not have been a more perfect place for us to do just that,” Glow Up Games CEO Dr. Mitu Khandaker stated in a press release.

HBO’s announcement comes on the heels of Netflix increasing its slate of free cell video games earlier this month, with two of these based mostly on its hit unique sequence Stranger Things. Both of these video games are playable sufficient, even when they learn as apparent trailers for the sequence they’re based mostly off of, and the streamer has stated that they exist as a approach to lure new subscribers to the platform and hold current prospects entertained—one thing HBO is undoubtedly additionally betting on. At the tip of the day, although, it’s a complicated gambit: Are stale cell video games actually sufficient to compel individuals to open up their wallets and subscribe to a brand new streaming service, or is content material nonetheless the principle driver of recent subscriptions?

And you understand what, whereas we’re asking the robust questions right here, it’s value questioning out loud why HBO—with its slate of high-fantasy and sci-fi exhibits that features Westworld, Game of Thrones, and Lovecraft Country—would spring for an Insecure RPG to kick off its gaming initiative. Is Insecure’s (presumably 30ish) fan base the one they’ve pegged because the gaming set, or would the ostensibly youthful crowd that’s rabidly awaiting the second season of Euphoria have been a greater market to focus on?

The greatest query by far, although, continues to be what precisely streamers see the payoff of those free cell video games as being, and to that finish, solely time will inform. A sneak peak of The Come Up Game is at present out there without spending a dime obtain within the App Store on iOS, and new content material and have updates are scheduled to roll out all through 2022.