Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Focus on Other Dreams

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, envisions a future where gaming consoles may become less central to the gaming experience. During an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Tascan discussed how younger gamers might not be as interested in future console hardware 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." He suggested that kids are more interested in playing games on any digital screen, regardless of location, even in cars. Tascan believes that focusing on traditional consoles could limit Netflix's potential, as he explained, "With console 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, Tascan expressed a fondness for console gaming, citing Nintendo’s Wii as a personal favorite. With experience at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is no stranger to traditional console game releases. However, Netflix is steering in a different direction, emphasizing mobile gaming and accessibility.

Netflix has successfully created game adaptations for its IPs, such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, and has also made notable games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition available for mobile play. Tascan emphasized Netflix's commitment to reducing friction in gaming, stating, "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can." He highlighted various forms of friction, including subscriptions, the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and download times, all of which Netflix aims to minimize.

In early 2024, Netflix reported a tripling of game engagement throughout 2023, indicating a strong commitment to further investment in gaming. However, a CNBC report from 2021 suggested that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with its games. In October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio, led by former developers from Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, recent cuts affected Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

While Netflix anticipates a shift away from traditional gaming consoles, major players like Sony and Microsoft are expected to continue developing new hardware, such as the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox. Nintendo, on the other hand, is on the brink of launching the Switch 2, with a focused Direct presentation planned for next week to unveil its new technology, features, release date, and pre-order details.