Alain Tascan, President of Games at Netflix, has expressed his belief that future generations may 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 questioned about Netflix's potential entry into console gaming, Tascan highlighted a shift in younger gamers' interests, suggesting that they are more focused on interacting with digital screens in various settings, rather than being tied to specific gaming hardware like a potential 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," Tascan remarked. He emphasized a future where gaming platforms are agnostic, allowing players to engage with games on any device, be it a mobile phone, tablet, or even in a car. This approach contrasts with the traditional console model, which Tascan believes could limit Netflix's reach and engagement.
Despite his reservations about consoles, Tascan admitted a personal fondness for them, citing Nintendo's Wii as a favorite. With his extensive experience at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is well-versed in traditional console gaming. However, for Netflix, the focus is clearly on a different path.
Netflix has been expanding its gaming offerings, successfully adapting its IPs into games such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game. Additionally, the company has made notable titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition available to subscribers directly on their mobile devices. Tascan reiterated Netflix's commitment to this mobile-first strategy, aiming to develop party games and become a central hub for kids and gaming families.
Tascan is keen on reducing barriers to gaming, stating, "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can." He pointed out various forms of friction, including subscription models, the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and download times. Netflix has experimented with removing subscription barriers for games like Squid Game: Unleashed, and Tascan indicated that further tests might be on the horizon.
In early 2024, Netflix reported a tripling of game engagement throughout 2023, reaffirming its commitment to gaming despite a CNBC report from 2021 noting that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with its games. However, in October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by closing its AAA studio led by former developers from Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, a Game Developer report from last month mentioned recent cuts at Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.
While Netflix anticipates a shift away from consoles, major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo continue to advance in this space. Sony and Microsoft are expected to release next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, respectively. Nintendo is preparing to unveil its Switch 2 at a focused Direct presentation next week, where fans eagerly await details on its features, release date, and pre-order information.
