Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Focus on Other Dreams

In a recent interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, shared his vision for the future of gaming. He suggested that the upcoming generation might not be as attached to gaming consoles as current major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware. Tascan questioned whether younger gamers, specifically eight and ten-year-olds, are dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6, indicating a shift in gaming preferences towards more versatile and accessible platforms.

"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 future where gaming is platform-agnostic, allowing players to engage with games on any digital screen, be it a phone, tablet, or even in a car. He believes that traditional console gaming, with its focus on high definition and specific controllers, might limit the industry's growth.

Despite his reservations about consoles, Tascan expressed a fondness for them, citing Nintendo's Wii as a personal favorite. With his extensive background at studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is no stranger to traditional console game releases. However, for Netflix, the trend is moving towards a different model.

Netflix has already made strides in the gaming sector by offering game adaptations of its IPs, such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, alongside popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition. These games are accessible directly from mobile devices, aligning with Tascan's vision of reducing friction in gaming. He mentioned Netflix's efforts to eliminate barriers, including testing the removal of subscription fees for games like Squid Game: Unleashed.

"I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," Tascan stated. He highlighted other forms of friction, such as the need for multiple controllers for family gaming, 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 commitment to gaming has seen significant growth, with game engagement tripling in 2023. Despite this, the company scaled back its ambitions in October 2024 by shutting down its AAA studio and making cuts at Night School Studio, which it acquired in 2021. These moves suggest a strategic refocus on more accessible gaming options.

While Netflix anticipates a shift away from traditional consoles, industry giants like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo continue to push forward. Sony and Microsoft are expected to release next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, respectively. Meanwhile, Nintendo is on the brink of unveiling its Switch 2, with a dedicated Direct presentation scheduled for next week to reveal more about its features, release date, and pre-order details.