Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, anticipates a future where gaming consoles may become less central to the gaming experience, as industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo focus on new hardware. Speaking with The Game Business post a recent Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Tascan shared insights into how younger audiences might engage with gaming titles. When questioned about Netflix's potential entry into console gaming, he expressed doubt that children are fixated on devices like the hypothetical PlayStation 6.
"When it comes to console gaming, we're starting to envision a future where platforms are agnostic," Tascan stated. "Are eight-year-olds and ten-year-olds dreaming of a PlayStation 6? I'm not so sure. They prefer interaction with any digital screen, anytime, anywhere—even within cars. Consoles emphasize high-definition visuals and controllers, which might limit our scope."
Despite his concerns, Tascan admitted a fondness for console gaming, particularly praising Nintendo's Wii. With extensive experience at companies like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he understands traditional console releases. However, Netflix is steering in a different direction.
Netflix suggests younger generations aren't drawn to consoles. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
While Netflix excels at adapting its IP into games via subscription add-ons like "Stranger Things 3: The Game" and "Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game," it has also offered direct access to popular titles such as "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition." These games are playable directly from mobile phones, aligning with Tascan's vision for reducing barriers to entry.
"I’m passionate about minimizing friction," Tascan emphasized. "Subscription models create friction, albeit beneficial for business. We’ve tested removing subscriptions for mobile games like 'Squid Game: Unleashed' and may explore further experiments."
He added, "Other frictions include multiple controllers for families, costly hardware, and game downloads. By addressing these challenges, we aim to create a seamless experience."
In early 2024, Netflix reported a tripling of game engagement in 2023, reinforcing its commitment to the sector after a 2021 CNBC report indicated less than 1% of subscribers utilized its gaming options. In October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio led by former Overwatch, Halo, and God of War developers. Recent layoffs impacted Oxenfree creator Night School Studio, acquired in 2021.
As Netflix targets a console-uninterested demographic, it remains unlikely we'll see direct competition from Sony and Microsoft in the form of PlayStation 6 or next-gen Xbox. Meanwhile, Nintendo is set to unveil the highly anticipated Switch 2 in an upcoming Direct presentation, with fans eager to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.
