Netflix is now looking to put its users in control and has released its first interactive title on the platform. ‘Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale’ is an animated adventure where users are required to make choices for the outlaw cat, resulting in a different experience with each chosen option.
Netflix is calling this the “Interactive Storytelling” experience and it seems like the company is currently targeting this content at kids, with various animated interactive films in the pipeline. In a press announcement of the new feature, Netflix writes, “The children’s programming space was a natural place for us to start since kids are eager to “play” with their favorite characters and already inclined to tap, touch and swipe at screens. They also talk to their screens, as though the characters can hear them. Now, that conversation can be two-way. It’s really about finding the right stories – and storytellers – that can tell these complex narratives and bring them to life in a compelling way.”
The Puss in Book experience gives a user two different options to choose from, at different intervals in the story. For instance, at the very beginning, Puss has to choose between fighting a god or fighting a tree, and the user has to take that call for the cat. One also has the option of selecting and skipping to the parts where the branching options are presented.
Netflix is looking to release another animated interactive storytelling experience called ‘Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile’ on July 14 and its third branching narrative, ‘Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout’ is currently in the works. “We’ve done extensive research and talked to lots of kids and parents, collecting qualitative data to better understand if this is something viewers will like,” says Netflix.
As of now, the interactive storytelling experiences on Netflix can be viewed on smart TVs, streaming players, consoles and iOS devices. The content cannot be interacted with on the Netflix website, Android devices, Chromecast and Apple TV.
Also Read: The June Binge Guide: What to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video this month