Netflix Says Kids Don't Care About Consoles: '8-Year-Olds Aren’t Dreaming of PlayStation 6'

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, has expressed a vision for the future of gaming that moves away from traditional gaming consoles. In an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, Tascan questioned the appeal of future consoles like the PlayStation 6 to younger gamers. He highlighted a shift towards platform-agnostic gaming, where the focus is on accessibility across any digital screen, even in environments like cars.

"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 that consoles are often associated with high-definition graphics and specialized controllers, which he believes could limit the broader reach of gaming.

Despite his personal affinity for console gaming, particularly praising Nintendo's Wii, Tascan's experience at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games informs his perspective on the evolving landscape. For Netflix, the trend is clear: moving away from traditional console releases.

Netflix has been successful in creating game adaptations from its IPs, 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. These games can be played directly on mobile devices, aligning with Tascan's strategy to reduce friction in gaming.

“I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can,” Tascan told The Game Business. He mentioned experiments like removing subscription barriers for games like Squid Game: Unleashed, indicating a willingness to explore new models to enhance accessibility.

Tascan also pointed out other forms of friction, such as the need for multiple controllers for family gaming, the cost of hardware, and the time taken to download games. His goal is to minimize these obstacles as much as possible.

Netflix's commitment to gaming has grown significantly, with game engagement tripling in 2023. However, the company faced setbacks in its gaming ambitions, including the closure of its AAA studio in October 2024 and recent cuts at Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

As Netflix aims to cater to a generation less interested in consoles, major players like Sony and Microsoft continue to develop next-generation hardware. Sony is expected to release a PlayStation 6, and Microsoft a new Xbox, while Nintendo is set to unveil its Switch 2 in an upcoming Direct presentation, sparking excitement about its new features, release date, and pre-order details.