Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Dream Beyond PlayStation 6

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, envisions a future where younger generations might not be as fixated on gaming consoles as they are now. This perspective comes as industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to advance with new hardware. Tascan shared these insights during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco. When questioned about Netflix's potential foray into console gaming, Tascan expressed skepticism 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," he remarked. Tascan emphasized a shift towards a platform-agnostic future, where gaming can be enjoyed on any digital screen, be it a mobile device or even in a car. He pointed out that traditional consoles, with their focus on high definition and specific controllers, might limit the industry's growth. "If we look at this older model, I think it will restrain us," he added.

Despite his reservations, Tascan admitted a personal fondness for console gaming, particularly citing Nintendo's Wii as a favorite. With a background that includes stints at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is well-versed in traditional console game development. However, Netflix's strategy is moving in a different direction, focusing on mobile gaming and reducing barriers to entry for players.

Netflix has successfully adapted its IPs into games like Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, and has also made popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition available to subscribers on mobile devices. Tascan reiterated Netflix's commitment to this approach, aiming to develop party games and become a hub for kids and gaming families.

"I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," Tascan told The Game Business. He discussed the concept of subscription models as a form of friction, albeit beneficial for business, and mentioned experiments like removing the subscription requirement for Squid Game: Unleashed. He also highlighted other potential barriers, such as the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and the time it takes to download games. "I am [looking at] all the obstacles, and asking if we can reduce them as much as possible," he stated.

Netflix's engagement with gaming has seen significant growth, with game engagement tripling in 2023. Despite this, the company scaled back its ambitions in October 2024 by closing its AAA studio led by former developers from Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, cuts affected Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

As Netflix aims to cater to a market less interested in traditional consoles, the industry continues to evolve. Sony and Microsoft are expected to release next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, while Nintendo is on the brink of unveiling its Switch 2 at a dedicated Direct presentation next week. Fans are eagerly awaiting details on the new console's features, release date, and pre-order information.