Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Focus Not on PlayStation 6

In a recent interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Alain Tascan, Netflix's President of Games, shared insights into the evolving landscape of gaming. Tascan expressed skepticism about the younger generation's interest in traditional gaming consoles, suggesting that future gamers might not be as fixated on devices like the PlayStation 6. He noted, "Look at the younger generation. Are eight year-olds and ten year-olds dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6? I am not sure. They are wanting to interact with any digital screen, whatever it is, wherever it is, even in the car."

Tascan emphasized a shift towards platform-agnostic gaming, where the focus is less on high-definition graphics and specialized controllers, and more on accessibility and convenience. Despite his personal fondness for console gaming, having worked at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, Tascan believes that sticking to the traditional console model could limit Netflix's reach.

Netflix has been actively expanding its gaming portfolio, 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 can be played directly on mobile devices, aligning with Tascan's vision of reducing friction for gamers. He stated, "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."

Tascan also highlighted other barriers such as the need for multiple controllers in a family setting, the cost of hardware, and the time spent downloading games, all of which he aims to minimize. "But the other friction is having enough controllers for family. Having a piece of hardware that might be expensive, that’s another friction. Waiting for a game to download, that’s another friction. I am [looking at] all the obstacles, and asking if we can reduce them as much as possible."

Netflix's commitment to gaming has seen significant growth, with game engagement tripling in 2023. However, the company also made strategic adjustments in 2024, scaling back some of its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio and making cuts at Night School Studio, which it acquired in 2021.

While Netflix anticipates a shift away from traditional consoles, major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo continue to advance their hardware. Nintendo is set to unveil the Switch 2 in an upcoming Direct presentation, where details on features, release dates, and pre-order information are expected to be revealed.