Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Dream Beyond PlayStation 6

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, anticipates a future where younger generations may be less reliant on traditional gaming consoles. This shift is driven by major gaming companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, who continue to develop new hardware. Tascan shared his perspective on the evolving gaming landscape during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco.

When asked about Netflix's interest in entering the console gaming market, Tascan expressed skepticism about the appeal of future consoles to younger gamers. He questioned whether children today dream of owning a PlayStation 6, suggesting that the younger generation is more interested in interacting with any digital screen, regardless of the platform. "Look at the younger generation. Are eight year-olds and ten year-olds dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6? I am not sure," he remarked. He highlighted the limitations of traditional consoles, such as high-definition requirements and the need for controllers, which he believes could restrict Netflix's broader ambitions.

Despite his reservations, Tascan admitted a personal fondness for console gaming, citing Nintendo's Wii as a favorite. His experience spans several major studios, including EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, yet he sees Netflix moving in a different direction.

Netflix has already made strides in the gaming industry by creating game adaptations from its IPs, such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game. The company has also offered subscribers access to well-known titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition, playable directly on mobile devices. Tascan emphasized Netflix's commitment to this mobile-first approach, with plans to develop more party games and position itself as a hub for kids and gaming families.

Tascan is focused on reducing barriers to gaming, including subscription fees and the need for specialized hardware. "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," he stated. He pointed out various forms of friction, such as the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and the time required to download games. "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," he elaborated.

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, the company scaled back its gaming ambitions by closing its AAA studio, led by former developers from Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Recent cuts also affected Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

As Netflix targets a market less interested in traditional consoles, it's clear that Sony and Microsoft will continue to release new consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Nintendo, on the other hand, is preparing to unveil its next-generation Switch 2, with a dedicated Direct presentation scheduled for next week. Fans are eager to learn about the new features, release date, and pre-order details for the Switch 2.