Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, anticipates a future where younger generations are less focused on traditional gaming consoles. As industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo advance with new hardware, Tascan shared his perspective on the evolving gaming landscape during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco. When asked about Netflix's interest in entering the console gaming market, Tascan expressed doubts about the younger generation's enthusiasm for future consoles like the PlayStation 6.
"Look at the younger generation. Are eight year-olds and ten year-olds dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6? I am not sure," he stated. He elaborated on the shift towards platform-agnostic gaming, saying, "They are wanting to interact with any digital screen, whatever it is, wherever it is, even in the car. With consoles, 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 concerns, Tascan admitted a fondness for console gaming, citing Nintendo’s Wii as a personal favorite. Having worked at major studios such as EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is well-versed in traditional console releases. However, Netflix is moving in a different direction, focusing on mobile and accessible gaming experiences.
Netflix has successfully adapted its IPs into games like 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 to subscribers on mobile devices. Tascan emphasized Netflix's commitment to this strategy, aiming to develop party games and establish itself as a gaming hub for kids and families.
"I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," Tascan told The Game Business. "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." He further highlighted other forms of friction, such as the need for multiple controllers for families, the cost of hardware, and the wait time for game downloads, expressing a desire to minimize these obstacles as much as possible.
Netflix reported a tripling of games engagement throughout 2023, signaling continued investment in the gaming sector despite a CNBC report from 2021 indicating that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with its games. However, in October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio led by former developers of Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, cuts were made at Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021, according to a Game Developer report.
As Netflix aims to cater to a market less interested in traditional game consoles, major players like Sony and Microsoft are expected to continue developing next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Meanwhile, Nintendo is on the brink of unveiling its Switch 2, with a dedicated Direct presentation scheduled for next week, where fans anticipate learning about new features, release dates, and pre-order details.
