Netflix: Kids Uninterested in Consoles, Focus on Streaming

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, anticipates a shift away from traditional gaming consoles among future generations. As major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to develop new hardware, Tascan believes that younger gamers are increasingly indifferent to the allure of devices like the PlayStation 6.

During an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Tascan expressed skepticism about the younger generation's interest in owning a PlayStation 6. He stated, "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 emphasized that the future of gaming might be platform-agnostic, moving away from the traditional console model which focuses on high definition and specific controllers.

Despite his personal fondness for console gaming, having worked at studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, Tascan sees a different trajectory for Netflix. The company 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 made notable games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition available to subscribers on mobile devices. Tascan reiterated Netflix's commitment to this mobile-first strategy, aiming to develop party games and become a hub for kids and gamer 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 highlighted other frictions like the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and download times, all of which he aims to minimize.

Netflix's engagement with games tripled in 2023, indicating a strong future in the gaming space despite earlier reports of low engagement. However, the company made significant cuts in 2024, including shutting down its AAA studio and affecting teams like Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

While Netflix moves away from console-centric gaming, traditional console makers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo continue to innovate. Nintendo is preparing to unveil its next-generation console, the Switch 2, with a focused Direct presentation next week, where fans eagerly await details on features, release date, and pre-order information.

Netflix suggests that kids are less interested in consoles. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.