Netflix cancels badge scheme for kids binge watchers

Netflix is killing an experimental badge scheme feature that would have made binge watching a game targeted at children. Twitter users recently noticed that the company was testing a system that rewarded kids for binge watching, doling out “reward patches” to kids that managed to watch entire series or specific programs like “Trollhunters,” “Fuller House” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” The company confirmed the plan in a statement to Variety.

“We are testing a new feature on select kids titles that introduces collectible items for a more interactive experience, adding an element of fun and providing kids something to talk about and share around the titles they love,” said the company. “We learn by testing and this feature may or may not become part of the Netflix experience.”

But after parents complained that getting kids away from the TV was already a challenge, Netflix appears to have backed off the proposal.

“We’ve concluded the test for patches and have decided not to move forward with the feature for kids. We test lots of things at Netflix in order to learn what works well–and what doesn’t work well–for our members,” Netflix said in a statement provided to Buzzfeed.

Source: DSLReports