A number of Netflix series seem like they would be a perfect fit for the world of mobile gaming; it’s especially easy to imagine game concepts based on genre shows like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Sense8, Stranger Things and even Marco Polo (martial art fights galore!). But FTX Games has developed a new mobile experience pegged, surprisingly, to the show Narcos, of all things. The Netflix series—which flew under the radar somewhat in its first season—centers on real-life drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents who worked to bring him down. No doubt FTX and producers Gaumont Television are hoping this new game will be—dare we say it—addictive.
Variety reports that players will be able to “build their own international crime syndicates in a new game based on the show.” Like most free mobile games hoping to generate revenue, “Narcos: Cartel Wars” will include in-app purchases. But, sadly, Colombian marching powder isn’t on the menu.
Instead, players will build their own drug empires and “decide between exhibiting raw power, gathering respect through loyalty, or a combination of both. Players must form alliances with each other in order to create cartels and go to war for territory, profit and respect.” Clearly, this particular game is not for kids.
But “Narcos: Cartel Wars” could be an effective way to drum up interest in a show that hasn’t broken wide the way some of Netflix’s other shows have. Netflix has also struck an unprecedented deal with Univision to air the first season of Narcos (which has plenty of dialogue in Spanish) ahead of the season 2 debut. Both the new deal and the mobile game are part of a strategy from a studio that seems to have faith in their content but is struggling to find an audience.
If “Narcos: Cartel Wars” becomes an unexpected hit with mobile gamers, could other outside-the-box Netflix series follow in its path? A House of Cards political intrigue game with Frank Underwood? A tropical island murder-mystery game based on Bloodline? How about a Master of None game centered on the search for the perfect taco? Actually, you know what? That last one doesn’t sound half bad.
