When it comes to Netflix's biggest rivals, many might point to Amazon Prime, Disney+, or other VOD services (Video on Demand – platforms where users pick their own content on electronic devices). Others might say unauthorized streaming sites are a real threat - after all, why pay for a subscription when you can watch pirated movies for free? But could the true competition be… Netflix itself?
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Netflix's series The Queen’s Gambit.
Surprisingly, Netflix has openly admitted that its biggest competitor isn’t another VOD platform or illegal streaming sites. Instead, it’s Fortnite - a game by Epic Games. Back in 2019, Netflix made waves by telling investors and the media that Fortnite would prove to be a serious threat, especially with how much it captures users' attention. If you didn’t know, Fortnite even appeared in Avengers: Endgame, the highest-grossing film of all time, adding millions to its production budget. And director Christopher Nolan even chose Fortnite as the platform to drop the TENET trailer last year.
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The production team behind the blockbuster TENET chose Fortnite as the platform to debut the trailer last year.
So, how is Fortnite a direct competitor to Netflix? One is a game, the other a streaming service - doesn’t seem like they’re in the same race, right? While Netflix’s real competitors in the streaming world are other VOD platforms like Disney+ and Amazon Prime, Fortnite competes on a completely different level. It's not just about movies or games - it’s about time. If you're busy playing Fortnite, you're not watching Netflix, and vice versa.
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Netflix's series Altered Carbon.
In reality, platforms like Amazon Prime and Disney+ are Netflix's competitors on a "brand" level, fighting for the same audience in the VOD space. Pirated films, while illegal, also compete in the same industry of film distribution. But Fortnite? It’s on a whole new playing field. Both Fortnite and Netflix are competing for consumer attention and time - whether you’re gaming or binge-watching. This kind of competition is why Netflix has recently appointed Mike Verdu (former head of VR content at Facebook) as their President of Game Development. It’s a move that hints at some exciting future developments!
From Lớp Mơ Phim.
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