Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Dream Beyond PlayStation 6

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, anticipates a future where gaming is less reliant on traditional consoles as industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware. In an insightful interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Tascan discussed the evolving landscape of gaming and how it might impact younger audiences.

During the event, Tascan was asked about Netflix's potential foray into console gaming. However, he expressed doubts about the younger generation's interest in future consoles like the PlayStation 6. "Look at the younger generation. Are eight-year-olds and ten-year-olds dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6? I am not sure," Tascan remarked. He emphasized a shift towards a platform-agnostic future where gamers are more interested in interacting with digital screens in any form, whether it's on a phone, tablet, or even in a car. Tascan believes that traditional console gaming, with its focus on high-definition graphics and specialized controllers, could limit the company's reach.

Despite his reservations, Tascan admitted a personal fondness for console gaming, citing Nintendo's Wii as a favorite. With extensive experience at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is well-versed in the traditional gaming model. However, Netflix's strategy is moving in a different direction.

Netflix has successfully adapted its IPs into games like Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, and it has also offered popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition for mobile play. Tascan reiterated Netflix's commitment to this mobile-first approach, aiming to develop party games and become a hub for families and young gamers.

Tascan is focused on reducing barriers to gaming. "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," he told The Game Business. He mentioned experimenting with removing subscription barriers for games like Squid Game: Unleashed. Tascan also highlighted other potential frictions, such as the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and the time it takes to download games. His goal is to minimize these obstacles as much as possible.

Netflix's engagement with games has seen significant growth, tripling in 2023, which prompted the company to reaffirm its investment in gaming. However, despite this growth, a CNBC report from 2021 indicated that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with Netflix's game offerings. In October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio led by former developers from Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, recent cuts affected Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

While Netflix explores a console-free future, industry leaders like Sony and Microsoft are expected to continue advancing with new consoles such as the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Nintendo is on the cusp of a new console generation with the eagerly awaited Switch 2, set to be unveiled in a focused Direct presentation next week. Fans are eagerly awaiting details on the Switch 2's features, release date, and pre-order information.