Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Not Dreaming of PlayStation 6

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, has shared insights on the future of gaming, suggesting that younger generations may not be as captivated by traditional gaming consoles as major industry players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware. In an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Tascan discussed the evolving landscape of gaming and Netflix's strategic direction.

When asked about Netflix's potential foray into console gaming, Tascan expressed skepticism about the younger generation's interest in future consoles 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. 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 personal affinity for console gaming, having worked at studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, Tascan believes that the future of gaming lies in platform-agnostic experiences. Netflix is focusing on mobile gaming, offering titles like Stranger Things 3: The Game, Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, and even classics like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition, all accessible directly from subscribers' mobile devices.

Netflix's strategy emphasizes reducing friction for gamers, with Tascan highlighting efforts to eliminate obstacles such as subscription barriers, the need for multiple controllers, and lengthy download times. He mentioned, "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."

Netflix's commitment to gaming has seen significant growth, with game engagement tripling in 2023. However, the company also faced setbacks, including the closure of its AAA studio led by former developers of Overwatch, Halo, and God of War in October 2024, and recent cuts at Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

As Netflix continues to target a market it believes will be less interested in traditional consoles, the gaming industry remains dynamic. Sony and Microsoft are expected to release next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, while Nintendo prepares to unveil its Switch 2 at a focused Direct presentation next week, where fans eagerly await details on features, release dates, and pre-order information.