Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, envisions a future where the next generation of gamers may not be as focused on traditional gaming consoles. This perspective comes at a time when giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are actively advancing their hardware offerings. Tascan shared his 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 doubts 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 platform agnosticism, noting that kids today are more interested in interacting with any digital screen, regardless of location, even in cars. He believes that the traditional console model, with its focus on high definition and specific controllers, might limit Netflix's approach to gaming.

Despite his concerns, Tascan holds a fondness for console gaming, citing Nintendo’s Wii as a personal favorite. His extensive experience at studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games gives him a deep understanding of traditional game releases, yet he sees Netflix moving in a different direction.

Netflix suggests kids are less interested in consoles. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

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 notable titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition available on mobile. Tascan reiterated Netflix's commitment to this strategy, focusing on developing party games and positioning itself as a hub for kids and gaming families.

Tascan is keen on reducing barriers to gaming. "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," he stated. He pointed out various forms of friction, including subscriptions, the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and game download times. He suggested that Netflix tested eliminating subscriptions for the mobile game Squid Game: Unleashed and may explore similar initiatives in the future.

Netflix reported in early 2024 that game engagement had tripled throughout 2023, signaling continued investment in the gaming sector. This comes after a 2021 CNBC report indicated that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with Netflix's games. However, in October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio, which was headed by former developers of Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, a Game Developer report from last month highlighted cuts at Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

While Netflix anticipates a shift away from traditional consoles, Sony and Microsoft are expected to continue releasing new hardware like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Meanwhile, Nintendo is on the brink of a new console generation with its eagerly awaited Switch 2, which will be detailed in a focused Direct presentation next week. Fans are eager to learn more about the Switch 2's features, release date, and pre-order details.