Netflix Reveals: 8-Year-Olds More Interested in Streaming Than Gaming Consoles

Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, envisions a future where the younger generation may not be as enamored with gaming consoles as traditional giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate with new hardware. This perspective was shared during an interview with The Game Business following a Netflix presentation in San Francisco. When questioned about Netflix's potential foray into console gaming, Tascan expressed skepticism about the appeal of future consoles like the PlayStation 6 to younger audiences.

"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 shift towards a platform-agnostic future where kids are more interested in interacting with any digital screen, regardless of its location—even in the car. He contrasted this with the traditional console experience, which often revolves around high-definition graphics and specialized controllers, suggesting that sticking to this model could limit Netflix's growth.

Despite his fondness for console gaming, particularly citing Nintendo's Wii as a favorite, Tascan's experience at major studios like EA, Ubisoft, and Epic Games has not swayed Netflix's direction away from mobile and cloud-based gaming. The company 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 made notable games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition available to subscribers directly on their mobile devices. Tascan reiterated Netflix's commitment to this approach, focusing on developing party games and positioning itself as a hub for kids and gaming families.

Tascan is keen on reducing what he calls "friction" in gaming, including the barriers posed by subscriptions, the need for multiple controllers in a family setting, and the wait times for game downloads. "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can," he stated, citing the example of removing the subscription barrier for Squid Game: Unleashed as part of ongoing experiments.

Netflix's focus on gaming has shown significant growth, with game engagement tripling in 2023. However, the company faced setbacks, including the closure of its AAA studio in October 2024 and recent cuts at Night School Studio, which Netflix acquired in 2021. Despite these challenges, Netflix remains committed to expanding its gaming offerings.

As the gaming landscape evolves, companies like Sony and Microsoft are expected to continue developing next-generation consoles such as the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. Meanwhile, Nintendo is on the cusp of a new era with its eagerly awaited Switch 2, set to be unveiled in a Direct presentation next week. Fans are eager to learn more about its features, release date, and pre-order details.

Netflix says kids don't care about consoles. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.