Alain Tascan, Netflix's President of Games, is envisioning a future where the next generation of gamers might not be as invested in traditional gaming consoles. As industry giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware, Tascan shared his perspective on the evolving gaming landscape during an interview with The Game Business. This conversation followed a Netflix presentation in San Francisco, where he was asked about the company's potential foray into console gaming. However, Tascan expressed doubts about the younger generation's interest in future consoles like the 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 interact with any digital screen, be it a phone, tablet, or even a screen in a car. He believes that the traditional console model, with its focus on high definition and specific controllers, may restrict innovation. "If we look at this older model, I think it will restrain us," he added.
Despite his reservations, Tascan holds a fondness for console gaming, citing Nintendo's Wii as a personal favorite. With years of experience at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, he is no stranger to the traditional console gaming world. However, Netflix is steering in a different direction, focusing on mobile gaming and reducing barriers to entry for its users.
Netflix has successfully adapted games based on its IPs, such as Stranger Things 3: The Game and Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game, and has also provided access to well-known titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition. These games are playable directly on mobile devices, aligning with Tascan's vision of lowering the barriers to gaming. He stated, "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," during the interview. He also mentioned a test where the subscription was removed for the mobile game Squid Game: Unleashed, hinting at possible future experiments.
Tascan highlighted other forms of friction that traditional consoles present, such as the need for multiple controllers for family play, the cost of hardware, and the time spent waiting for games to download. "But the other friction is having enough controllers for family. Having a piece of hardware that might be expensive, that’s another friction. Waiting for a game to download, that’s another friction," he explained, emphasizing his goal to minimize these obstacles.
Netflix reported a tripling of game engagement in 2023, indicating a strong commitment to further investment in gaming. This growth comes after a 2021 CNBC report noted that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with its gaming offerings. However, in October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by closing its AAA studio, which was led by former developers from Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, a Game Developer report from last month revealed cuts at Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.
While Netflix aims to cater to a market less interested in consoles, industry leaders like Sony and Microsoft are expected to continue developing next-generation consoles such as the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Nintendo is also on the brink of a new console generation with the highly anticipated Switch 2, set to be unveiled in a dedicated Direct presentation next week. Fans eagerly await details on the Switch 2's features, release date, and pre-order information.
