Rebel Moon: Game On!

Is Netflix's Rebel Moon mobile game the next Diablo 4? Let's break down what we know so far and why gamers should care.

A person playing a mobile game on their phone.
Photography by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Published: Thursday, 03 October 2024 09:16 (EDT)
By Tomás Oliveira

Netflix is diving deeper into the gaming world, and this time, it's bringing the heat with a mobile game based on its upcoming sci-fi epic, Rebel Moon. If you're a fan of action RPGs like Diablo 4, you might want to pay attention because this game is already drawing comparisons to Blizzard's hit. But what exactly is Netflix cooking up here? And why should you care? Let's get into it.

First things first, Rebel Moon is a highly anticipated series directed by Zack Snyder, the same guy behind 300 and Justice League. The series is set in a galaxy far, far away (no, not that one), and it's all about rebellion, space battles, and a whole lot of action. Now, Netflix has announced that the series will have a mobile game tie-in, and it looks like it's going to be a wild ride.

1. It Looks a Lot Like Diablo 4

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the comparisons to Diablo 4. From the gameplay footage we’ve seen, Rebel Moon seems to share a lot of DNA with Blizzard’s iconic action RPG. Expect top-down combat, hordes of enemies, and a whole lot of loot. If you’re into dungeon crawlers and love the thrill of smashing through waves of enemies, this game might just scratch that itch.

But don’t expect a carbon copy. While the gameplay style may be similar, Rebel Moon is set in a unique universe with its own lore, characters, and weapons. Plus, it's mobile-first, which means it’s designed to be played on the go. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on how much you like gaming on your phone.

2. It's Part of Netflix's Growing Gaming Ambitions

Netflix has been steadily expanding its gaming portfolio, and Rebel Moon is just the latest in a series of game tie-ins to its shows. Remember Stranger Things: 1984 or Oxenfree? Yeah, Netflix is serious about gaming, and this is another step in that direction. The company is clearly trying to create an ecosystem where you can watch a show and then dive into a game that expands on that universe.

What’s interesting here is that Netflix is not just slapping its name on any old game. The company is working with developers to create experiences that are actually tied to the shows’ narratives. So, if you’re a fan of Rebel Moon, the game could offer more than just mindless action—it might actually deepen your understanding of the series’ story.

3. Expect a Free-to-Play Model

While Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed the pricing model, it’s safe to assume that Rebel Moon will follow the free-to-play route. Most mobile games these days do, and Netflix’s previous games have been free for subscribers. That means you can probably expect in-app purchases or some form of monetization, but hey, at least you won’t have to pay upfront.

Now, whether that means the game will be littered with microtransactions remains to be seen. But if you’re used to mobile games, you know the drill: skins, weapons, and maybe even some pay-to-win mechanics could be in the mix. Fingers crossed Netflix keeps it fair.

4. It’s Not Just Rebel Moon—More Games Are Coming

Netflix isn’t stopping at Rebel Moon. During its Geeked Week, the company announced a whole lineup of games based on its shows. We’re talking about titles like Squid Game and Monument Valley 3. So, if you’re a Netflix subscriber, you might want to keep an eye on the gaming section of the app. It’s clear that Netflix wants to be more than just your go-to for binge-watching—it wants to be your one-stop entertainment shop.

And let’s be real, Netflix has the resources to pull this off. With a massive subscriber base and a growing library of original content, the company is in a prime position to make waves in the gaming industry. Whether or not they succeed is another story, but they’re definitely giving it a shot.

5. The Release Date Is Still Under Wraps

Unfortunately, we don’t have an official release date for the Rebel Moon mobile game just yet. Netflix has been pretty tight-lipped about when we can expect to get our hands on it. However, given that the series is set to debut in December 2023, it’s likely that the game will drop around the same time.

So, if you’re hyped for the show, you might want to keep your phone charged and ready. The game could launch alongside the series, giving fans a double dose of Rebel Moon goodness.

Until then, all we can do is speculate and wait for more details to emerge. But one thing’s for sure: Netflix is betting big on Rebel Moon, and the mobile game could be a major part of that strategy.

Final Thoughts

Netflix’s Rebel Moon mobile game is shaping up to be an action-packed experience that could appeal to fans of games like Diablo 4. With Netflix’s growing focus on gaming, this could be the start of something big for the streaming giant. Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Netflix is all in on gaming, and Rebel Moon is just the beginning.

For more details on Netflix's gaming announcements, check out the full coverage from Digitaltrends.

Gaming