Jackbox Games, the developer behind popular party titles like Quiplash, Fibbage, and Trivia Murder Party, is making its way to smart TVs in 2025 with a new cloud-powered app. This move, made possible through Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) newly announced GameLift Streams, will allow players to enjoy Jackbox’s hit games directly on their smart TVs and other devices with minimal setup.
The company says it will bring a beta version of this service to “one or two” unnamed smart TV platforms this Spring, with more platforms and features to follow it the beta is successful.
For those unfamiliar with Jackbox, it is a game development company known for creating multiplayer games made for social gatherings. Users typically interact with the game with their phones and by reading prompts on the screen in the room.
Jackbox games have typically required an external device such as a console or PC, but the company now aims to release its own app for smart TVs and “other platforms,” the company said in a blog.
Some of Jackbox’s most popular games include:
Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.
Jackbox’s new app will initially offer a curated selection of free, ad-supported games. However, as the service evolves, the company plans to expand its entire game library under a subscription model. The beta version is set to launch on select smart TV platforms in Spring 2025, with broader availability to follow based on user interest and demand.
The backbone of this new service is AWS GameLift Streams, a new cloud-based game streaming solution that the company says enables developers to deliver high-quality, low-latency gaming experiences across a wide range of devices. With GameLift Streams, Jackbox Games can offer its signature multiplayer experiences without requiring extensive modifications to its existing game code.
According to AWS, GameLift Streams offers several key advantages that make this innovative approach to gaming possible. Players can start playing within seconds, eliminating the need for lengthy downloads or installations. The service is designed for cross-device compatibility, allowing games to be streamed effortlessly to smart TVs, web browsers, PCs, tablets, and any WebRTC-enabled device.
Developers can scale their streaming capacity dynamically to meet player demand, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay without excessive infrastructure costs. Additionally, AWS’ built-in security protections help safeguard intellectual property by preventing unauthorized access and piracy, according to an Amazon announcement.
Amazon says AWS GameLift Streams represents a significant shift in game distribution, offering developers new monetization and engagement strategies. Companies like Bandai Namco, Xsolla, and Ludeo have already begun leveraging the service for projects ranging from metaverse experiences to frictionless game demos.
For Jackbox Games and other gaming developers, this technology can remove barriers to entry for casual players who may not own gaming consoles or dedicated hardware. Jackbox’s foray into smart TV gaming underscores the growing potential of cloud-based game streaming, something which TV makers have already begun doing.
Solutions like Samsung’s Gaming Hub and LG’s Gaming Portal also accomplish the same goal, but those offerings are tailored a bit more to the avid gamer who already has accounts with gaming platforms like Xbox, NVIDIA GEFORCE Now, Blacknut, Amazon Luna, and more.
Speaking of Amazon Luna, all Jackbox Party Packs, including more than 50 games, are available via Amazon Luna for $4.99 a month.
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