Peacock Tests Mini-Games and Vertical Short Videos

Peacock is currently testing the integration of mini-games and short vertical videos into its streaming platform, aiming to enhance the user experience with these new features.

Peacock Dives into Testing Games and Short Videos

Streaming service Peacock is initiating trials for mini-games and short video formats on its iOS and Android apps, reports TechCrunch. These experimental features, unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, are set to engage users starting this month. Interestingly, while Netflix incorporated video games into its service in 2021, subscriber engagement has been tepid with only 1% of over 200 million subscribers downloading games. To bolster its gaming division, Netflix has invested roughly 1 billion euros and plans to launch about 90 new games in 2024.

Limited Availability During the Testing Phase

However, not all users will equally access these new features. A spokesperson for Peacock told TechCrunch that while some will have access to both games and shorts, others may only experience one or neither during the testing phase.

Simple Games and Videos from Peacock’s Library

The trial includes five mini-games: Daily Sort, Daily Swap, Predictions, What The, and Venn. These games are quick, engaging, and some are linked to various shows and sports, allowing players to predict outcomes and check back later, thus enhancing their streaming experience. The short videos are sourced from Peacock’s own library, featuring clips from TV shows and news, updated daily and weekly. Users can click on these to navigate to the full program’s page.

Peacock Amid Streaming Giants’ Competition

With YouTube and Netflix already adapting to compete with platforms like TikTok, YouTube offering over 100 games and Netflix featuring fewer but notable games including one based on Squid Game, Peacock faces stiff competition. However, a potential TikTok ban could offer Peacock a significant edge.