Netflix to distribute games via Qwikster

Netflix is spinning off its DVD-by-mail program into a new service called Qwikster, one that will additionally offer video games by mail.

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Netflix is planning a rather dramatic restructuring of its company. The company is spinning off its DVD-by-mail program into a new service called Qwikster, one that will additionally offer video games by mail.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings emphasizes that Qwikster will simply be "merely a renamed version of the Netflix DVD website, but with the addition of video games."

"We chose the name Qwikster because it refers to quick delivery," Hastings added on the Netflix blog. The Netflix name will continue to refer to the streaming services, currently available on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and DS.

It's unclear how much Qwikster plus games will cost. The current cost of a DVD-only membership is $7.99 a month.

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    September 19, 2011 10:00 AM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Netflix to distribute games via Qwikster.

    Netflix is spinning off its DVD-by-mail program into a new service called Qwikster, one that will additionally offer video games by mail.

    • reply
      September 19, 2011 10:03 AM

      [deleted]

      • reply
        September 19, 2011 11:54 AM

        ^^^good point.

      • reply
        September 19, 2011 6:04 PM

        Never even thought of that, kudos to shacknews.

      • reply
        September 19, 2011 6:12 PM

        is that not the case elsewhere? that seems kind of ridiculous not to

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          September 19, 2011 6:33 PM

          Games journalism isn't exactly known for being stellar in terms of ethics.

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      September 19, 2011 10:11 AM

      I fear this split will cause the streaming service to go down the tubes.

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        September 19, 2011 10:20 AM

        [deleted]

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        September 19, 2011 10:20 AM

        That doesn't really make any sense to me. The majority of their business is streaming customers and they're splitting this off so they can concentrate all of their resources on streaming.

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        September 19, 2011 10:24 AM

        Quite the opposite. It will obliterate their DVD sales so they can spend the money from THAT on streaming.

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          September 19, 2011 1:26 PM

          THIS

          I 100% think that this is their intentions entirely.. so much less overhead than running a nationwide distribution center, I'm sure.

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            September 19, 2011 6:16 PM

            Yeah but I really liked having both services integrated. Them splitting it up is a huge pain in the ass.

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      September 19, 2011 10:22 AM

      Now Netflix just needs to offer a 39.99 a month all content streaming package and I will be happy.

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        September 19, 2011 11:01 AM

        I'd happily ditch cable for that price if it just let me watch what I wanted when I wanted.

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      September 19, 2011 5:03 PM

      Man my Netflix distribution center is way closer than the Gamefly center in Tampa. If the prices availability and selection are competitive then I'm dropping Gamefly.

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        September 19, 2011 5:57 PM

        Same here. I send out a netflix dvd and my gamefly game both out on last Monday and i got my new netflix dvd on wed and didnt get my gamefly game till sat. Im seriously over gamefly. I would of left a while ago if it wasnt for there low prices to keep games. But ill be canceling real soon if this is good.

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        September 19, 2011 5:58 PM

        Same here. I send out a netflix dvd and my gamefly game both out on last Monday and i got my new netflix dvd on wed and didnt get my gamefly game till sat. Im seriously over gamefly. I would of left a while ago if it wasnt for there low prices to keep games. But ill be canceling real soon if this is good.

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      September 19, 2011 6:13 PM

      I've stayed with Blockbuster for so long because they offered game service. This should keep them from price hiking.

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