"Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Dream Beyond PlayStation 6"

Alain Tascan, Netflix's President of Games, anticipates a future where the next generation of gamers may be less reliant on traditional gaming consoles. As industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo advance with new hardware, Tascan shared his insights on the evolving landscape of gaming during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco. When questioned about Netflix's interest in entering the console gaming market, Tascan expressed doubts about the younger generation's interest in devices like the hypothetical 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 further elaborated on his vision for a platform-agnostic future, stating, "They are wanting to interact with any digital screen, whatever it is, wherever it is, even in the car. With consoles, 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 reservations about console gaming, Tascan fondly recalled his personal experiences with Nintendo's Wii, having spent years at renowned studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games. However, he emphasized that Netflix is steering in a different direction, focusing on more accessible gaming options.

Netflix has successfully ventured into game adaptations tied to its IPs, offering titles such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, along with popular games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition. These games can be played directly from mobile devices, aligning with Tascan's strategy to make gaming more accessible and enjoyable for families and kids.

Tascan is committed to reducing barriers to gaming, stating, "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can. 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." He highlighted additional challenges like the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and the time required to download games as further frictions to overcome.

Netflix's engagement with gaming has seen significant growth, with game engagement tripling throughout 2023, as reported in early 2024. This growth comes despite earlier statistics from a 2021 CNBC report indicating less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with Netflix's gaming offerings. However, in October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio led by former Overwatch, Halo, and God of War developers. Additionally, cuts affected Night School Studio, the developer behind Oxenfree, which Netflix acquired in 2021, according to a Game Developer report.

While Netflix aims to cater to a console-indifferent market, the traditional console market remains strong. Sony and Microsoft are expected to release next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Meanwhile, Nintendo is preparing to unveil its Switch 2 at an upcoming Direct presentation, where details on features, release date, and pre-order information will be shared, eagerly awaited by fans.