Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, anticipates a future where younger generations might move away from traditional gaming consoles. This perspective was shared during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco. When asked about Netflix's interest in console gaming, Tascan expressed doubts about the appeal of future consoles like a PlayStation 6 to younger audiences.
"Look at the younger generation. Are eight year-olds and ten year-olds dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6? I am not sure," Tascan remarked. He elaborated on his vision of a future where gaming platforms are more versatile and less tied to specific hardware. "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, especially Nintendo's Wii, Tascan's experience at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games informs his view that Netflix should focus on a different direction. The company has successfully adapted its IPs into games like Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, and also offers well-known titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition directly on mobile devices.
Tascan emphasized Netflix's commitment to reducing barriers to gaming. "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," he stated, highlighting efforts like removing subscription requirements for certain mobile games, such as Squid Game: Unleashed. He also pointed out other forms of friction, such as the need for multiple controllers in a family setting, the cost of hardware, and the time it takes to download games.
Netflix's focus on gaming has seen significant growth, with game engagement tripling in 2023. However, the company also made strategic cuts, including shutting down its AAA studio and affecting teams like Night School Studio, acquired by Netflix in 2021.
While Netflix aims to cater to a market moving away from consoles, major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo continue to advance in the hardware space. Sony and Microsoft are expected to release new consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, while Nintendo is set to unveil its Switch 2 at a Direct presentation, where details about its features, release date, and pre-order options will be discussed.
Netflix says kids don't care about consoles. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
