Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, envisions a future where younger generations are less tied to traditional gaming consoles. As major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware, Tascan shared his perspective on evolving gaming trends during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco.
When asked about Netflix's potential foray into console gaming, Tascan expressed skepticism about the younger demographic's interest in future consoles like the PlayStation 6. He highlighted a shift towards platform-agnostic gaming, noting, "Look at the younger generation. Are eight year-olds and ten year-olds dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6? I am not sure. They are wanting to interact with any digital screen, whatever it is, wherever it is, even in the car." He believes that traditional console attributes such as high definition and controllers might limit future growth.
Despite his reservations, Tascan has a fondness for console gaming, particularly mentioning Nintendo's Wii as a personal favorite. With extensive experience at studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he's well-versed in traditional console game development. However, Netflix's strategy is moving in a different direction, focusing on mobile and accessible gaming experiences.
Netflix says kids don't care about consoles. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
Netflix has successfully adapted its IPs into games such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, and has also offered popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition directly through its mobile platform. Tascan emphasized during the event that Netflix will continue to enhance its strategy by developing party games and positioning itself as a hub for kids and gaming families.
Tascan is focused on 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 also pointed out additional frictions like the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and the time it takes to download games, all of which he aims to minimize.
Netflix reported a tripling of games engagement throughout 2023, indicating a strong commitment to further investment in gaming. Despite a CNBC report from 2021 suggesting less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with its games, the company's focus remains steadfast. However, in October 2024, Netflix scaled back some of its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio led by former developers of Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, cuts have affected Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.
While Netflix anticipates a shift away from console gaming, major console manufacturers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo continue to push forward. Nintendo is on the brink of launching the highly anticipated Switch 2, with a dedicated Direct presentation scheduled for next week. Fans are eager to learn more about the Switch 2's features, release date, and pre-order details.
