Netflix: Kids Prefer Streaming Over Consoles, Says '8-Year-Olds Don’t Dream of PlayStation 6'

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, envisions a future where the younger generation might move away from traditional gaming consoles, even as industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo advance with new hardware. In a recent interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Tascan discussed the evolving gaming landscape and Netflix's strategy within it. When asked about Netflix's potential foray into console gaming, Tascan expressed skepticism about the relevance 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 emphasized a shift towards a platform-agnostic future, where children are more interested in interacting with any digital screen, be it on a phone, tablet, or even in a car. He believes that the traditional console model, with its focus on high definition and specific controllers, might limit the company's reach.

Despite his fondness for console gaming, having worked at studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, Tascan sees a different path for Netflix. 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 it has also made notable games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition available to subscribers. These games can be played directly on mobile devices, aligning with Tascan's vision of reducing friction in gaming.

"I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," Tascan stated. He highlighted the potential barriers to gaming, such as the need for multiple controllers for family play, the cost of hardware, and the time spent waiting for downloads. Netflix's approach includes experimenting with removing subscription fees for certain mobile games, like Squid Game: Unleashed, to test different models.

Netflix's commitment to gaming has grown, with engagement tripling in 2023, despite earlier reports indicating less than 1% of subscribers were using its gaming offerings. However, the company has also faced challenges, including the closure of its AAA studio and recent cuts at Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

As Netflix anticipates a future where consoles may become less relevant, major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo continue to push forward. Sony and Microsoft are expected to release new consoles like the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox, while Nintendo is set to unveil its Switch 2 at a Direct presentation next week, where fans eagerly await details on its features, release date, and pre-order information.