Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Dream Beyond PlayStation 6

In a recent interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, shared his perspective on the evolving landscape of gaming. Tascan expressed skepticism about the future demand for traditional gaming consoles among younger generations. He questioned whether children as young as eight or ten years old are dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6, suggesting that their interests might be shifting towards more versatile digital platforms.

Tascan emphasized a future where gaming is "platform agnostic," allowing players to engage with games on any digital screen, regardless of location—even in the car. He pointed out that traditional consoles, with their focus on high definition and specific controllers, might limit the broader, more inclusive approach Netflix is aiming for. Despite his fondness for console gaming, having worked at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, Tascan believes that sticking to the "older model" could restrict Netflix's growth and innovation in the gaming sector.

Netflix has already made strides in the gaming world by offering game adaptations of its popular IPs, such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, alongside notable titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition. These games are accessible directly from mobile devices, aligning with Tascan's vision of reducing barriers to entry. He mentioned Netflix's strategy to further develop party games and position itself as a hub for kids and gaming families.

Tascan is focused on eliminating as much "friction" as possible in the gaming experience. This includes reducing the need for subscriptions, as seen in their test with Squid Game: Unleashed, and addressing practical challenges like the availability of controllers and the cost of hardware. He also highlighted the inconvenience of waiting for game downloads as another form of friction that Netflix aims to minimize.

Netflix's commitment to gaming has seen significant growth, with game engagement tripling in 2023. However, the company also faced setbacks, such as the closure of its AAA studio in October 2024 and recent cuts at Night School Studio, acquired in 2021. Despite these challenges, Netflix remains dedicated to expanding its gaming offerings.

While Netflix anticipates a shift away from traditional consoles, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to push forward with new hardware. Nintendo is on the brink of unveiling its next-generation console, the Switch 2, with a dedicated Direct presentation expected to reveal more about its features, release date, and pre-order details.