Netflix’s prime gaming boss, Alain Tascan, has stated he questions whether or not or not younger folks today even care about consoles. Talking at an occasion at GDC 2025 not too long ago, Tascan stated he personally enjoys console gaming, however he is unsure if it is the place gaming is headed sooner or later. In fact, Tascan would say this, as his firm, Netflix Video games, doesn’t make consoles and is as a substitute intent on pushing folks towards streaming and subscription companies.
“[When it comes to] console, we began to take a look at the longer term the place the platform is agnostic,” he stated, as reported by The Game Business. “Have a look at the youthful technology. Are eight-year-olds and 10-year-olds dreaming of proudly owning a PlayStation 6? I’m not certain. They’re desirous to work together with any digital display, no matter it’s, wherever it’s, even within the automotive. With console you are occupied with excessive definition, you are occupied with the controller […] If we have a look at this older mannequin, I feel it is going to restrain us.”
Earlier than this Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has stated for years that Microsoft is pushing past consoles into locations like streaming and cellular to assist attain an even bigger viewers. The viewers for console gaming is simply so giant, Spencer and others have stated. For what it is price, Spencer has additionally stated consoles will completely be part of Microsoft’s future in gaming.
Netflix Video games was engaged on a AAA challenge with main expertise behind it, however scuttled these plans and is now centered on making party-style video games that attraction to youngsters and could be streamed to a TV or performed on a cellular machine. That is already occurring, as Netflix.com lets you stream video games straight out of your browser, whereas the Netflix Video games lineup on cellular affords a wide range of video games to obtain.
Tascan additionally stated in the course of the speak that his directive as Netflix’s gaming boss is to assist decrease the “friction” that may include gaming and provides folks an choice to bypass “costly” consoles.
To make certain, folks completely nonetheless wish to purchase devoted gaming consoles. Gross sales of the PS5 are up significantly over the PS4 over a similar period of time in the US. The identical can’t be stated for Xbox, nevertheless, as Sequence X|S gross sales are lagging behind Xbox One gross sales within the US. Nintendo is predicted to announce extra particulars in regards to the Swap 2 on April 2, and the system is little question going to be a significant vendor when it launches this 12 months.
Trying additional out, Sony is believed to be engaged on the PS6, whereas Microsoft has already confirmed plans for the subsequent Xbox.