Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Not Dreaming of PlayStation 6

Alain Tascan, Netflix's President of Games, envisions a future where gaming is less dependent on traditional consoles, as industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware. In a recent interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Tascan discussed how gaming enthusiasts might play their favorite games in the future. When asked about Netflix's interest in entering the console gaming market, Tascan expressed skepticism about the relevance of consoles to younger gamers.

"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 further elaborated on the evolving landscape of gaming, suggesting a future where platforms are less defined. "They are wanting to interact with any digital screen, whatever it is, wherever it is, even in the car. With console you’re thinking about high definition, you’re thinking about the controller. If we look at this older model, I think it will restrain us."

Despite his concerns, Tascan has a personal fondness for console gaming, particularly citing Nintendo's Wii as a favorite. With years of experience at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is no stranger to traditional console releases. However, Netflix's strategy is shifting towards more versatile gaming options.

Netflix has successfully adapted its IPs into games, offering titles like Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game as subscription add-ons. The company has also made familiar games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition available for mobile play. Tascan emphasized Netflix's commitment to reducing barriers to gaming, focusing on mobile accessibility and developing party games to attract families and younger audiences.

"I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," Tascan told The Game Business. "I see that the subscription is friction as well. Maybe good friction because it makes business sense, but still we did the test of eliminating subscription for [mobile game] Squid Game: Unleashed. And we may do other tests."

Tascan identified several other points of friction in gaming, such as the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and the time required for game downloads. He aims to minimize these obstacles to make gaming more accessible.

Netflix reported in early 2024 that game engagement had tripled throughout 2023, indicating a continued investment in gaming despite earlier reports from CNBC in 2021 that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with its games. However, in October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by closing its AAA studio led by former developers of Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, recent cuts affected Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

As Netflix anticipates a market less interested in consoles, industry leaders like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are still moving forward with new hardware. Nintendo is set to unveil its next-generation console, the Switch 2, in a Direct presentation next week, where fans eagerly await details on features, release dates, and pre-order information.