Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Dream Beyond PlayStation 6

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, envisions a future where the next generation of gamers may not be as reliant on traditional gaming consoles. This perspective comes as industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware. Tascan shared these insights during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco. When asked 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," Tascan remarked. He emphasized a shift towards a platform-agnostic future, where gamers interact with any digital screen, regardless of location—even in cars. He noted that traditional consoles, with their focus on high definition and specific controllers, might limit Netflix's approach. "If we look at this older model, I think it will restrain us," he added.

Despite his reservations, Tascan admitted a fondness for console gaming, citing Nintendo's Wii as a personal favorite. With a background at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is no stranger to traditional console game releases. However, Netflix's strategy is moving in a different direction, focusing on mobile gaming and reducing barriers to entry for gamers.

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 offered popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition directly on mobile devices. Tascan reiterated Netflix's commitment to this strategy, 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 as a form of friction, albeit beneficial for business, and mentioned experiments like removing subscription requirements for games like Squid Game: Unleashed. He also highlighted other forms of friction, 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 reported a tripling of game engagement in 2023, indicating a strong commitment to further investment in gaming. However, a CNBC report from 2021 noted that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with Netflix's games. In October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio, led by former developers of Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, a Game Developer report from last month revealed cuts at Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

As Netflix aims to cater to a market less interested in traditional consoles, major players like Sony and Microsoft are expected to continue developing next-generation consoles such as the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Meanwhile, Nintendo is on the brink of launching its Switch 2, with a dedicated Direct presentation scheduled for next week to unveil more details about its features, release date, and pre-order information.