Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, anticipates a shift away from traditional gaming consoles among future generations. As major companies 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 potential interest in console gaming, 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 remarked. Tascan emphasized a future where gaming transcends specific platforms, stating, "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 affinity for console gaming, particularly Nintendo's Wii, Tascan's experience at studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games has not swayed Netflix's direction. Instead, the company is focusing on mobile gaming, leveraging its IPs to create game adaptations such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game. Additionally, Netflix has offered access to popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition, playable directly from mobile devices.
Netflix suggests that kids are less interested in traditional consoles. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
Tascan is committed to reducing barriers to gaming, stating, "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." He further highlighted other frictions such as the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and download times, all of which he aims to minimize.
Netflix's focus on gaming has shown significant growth, with game engagement tripling in 2023. However, the company also faced setbacks, including the closure of its AAA studio in October 2024 and recent cuts at Night School Studio, acquired by Netflix in 2021.
While Netflix moves away from console gaming, industry giants like Sony and Microsoft are expected to continue developing next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Nintendo, on the other hand, is preparing to unveil its Switch 2 at a dedicated Direct presentation next week, where fans eagerly await details on features, release dates, and pre-order information.
