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

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, is anticipating a future where gaming consoles might not be as central to the gaming experience as they are today. With major companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo pushing forward with new hardware, Tascan shared his perspective on the evolving gaming landscape during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco. When asked about Netflix's potential interest in console gaming, Tascan expressed doubts about the younger generation's interest in future console releases 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 elaborated on the concept of platform agnosticism, noting that young gamers are more interested in interacting with any digital screen, regardless of the device or location, even in cars. He contrasted this with traditional console gaming, which focuses on high-definition graphics and controllers, suggesting that sticking to the "older model" could limit Netflix's potential.

Despite his concerns, Tascan has a personal affinity for console gaming, mentioning Nintendo's Wii as a favorite. With his background at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, traditional console game releases are familiar territory for him. However, Netflix is steering towards a different approach, focusing on mobile gaming and accessibility.

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

Netflix has successfully adapted its IPs into games like 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 for mobile play. Tascan emphasized Netflix's commitment to reducing friction in gaming, including exploring the removal of subscriptions for games like Squid Game: Unleashed. He identified various forms of friction, such as the need for multiple controllers, the cost of hardware, and the time required for game downloads, and expressed a desire to minimize these barriers.

Netflix reported a tripling of games engagement in 2023, indicating a strong future investment in gaming despite a CNBC report from 2021 noting that less than 1% of subscribers were engaging with its games offerings. However, in October 2024, Netflix scaled back its gaming ambitions by shutting down its AAA studio led by former developers from Overwatch, Halo, and God of War. Additionally, cuts affected Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

As Netflix anticipates a market less interested in game consoles, it's clear that companies like Sony and Microsoft will continue to develop new hardware, such as the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox. Meanwhile, Nintendo is preparing to unveil its next-generation console, the Switch 2, with a dedicated Direct presentation next week, where fans expect to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.