Netflix-presidenten säger att barn inte är intresserade av konsoler: "8-åringar drömmer inte om PlayStation 6"

Netflix’s President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently made some pretty bold statements about the future of gaming, suggesting that the younger generation just isn’t as invested in consoles as many of us might have assumed.

During an interview with The Game Business after a Netflix event in San Francisco, Tascan shared his thoughts on where gaming is heading. According to him, the idea of owning a PlayStation 6 or any other new console isn’t on the radar for today’s eight-year-olds and ten-year-olds. Instead, he argues that kids these days are less concerned about hardware and more focused on playing their favorite games on any digital screen they can get their hands on—even if it’s in the car.

No More Console Dreaming?

Tascan explained that the traditional model of console gaming, with all its focus on high-definition graphics, controllers, and physical hardware, could be a limitation for where gaming is headed. “When it comes to consoles, we started to look at the future where the platform is agnostic,” he said.

“Kids aren’t dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6. They just want to play games, no matter where or on what device it’s on.”

It’s a fascinating perspective, especially considering that we’ve all been pretty obsessed with the latest console releases for decades. But Tascan’s comments bring to light a key shift in how gaming could evolve—less about hardware and more about accessibility. After all, many young gamers are already accustomed to playing games on their phones, tablets, and even on TV screens through streaming services.

Netflix’s Gaming Focus and the Future

Netflix, known for its streaming service, has already begun pushing into the gaming world with a strong focus on mobile gaming. Tascan even talked about Netflix’s strategy to make gaming as frictionless as possible—something that could certainly appeal to families looking to enjoy a game without the hassle of setting up a console, managing downloads, or dealing with expensive hardware.

Netflix’s gaming division has been growing, with game engagement tripling in 2023. The company has experimented with offering popular games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition for mobile play directly through its platform, and it’s clear that it’s betting big on the idea that future generations are more interested in flexibility than they are in expensive consoles.

He pointed out the barriers that come with traditional gaming setups: needing enough controllers for everyone, high costs of hardware, and waiting for downloads. Netflix is aiming to remove as much of that friction as possible to appeal to the next generation of gamers who just want to jump into a game without all the setup.

Is the Console Era Over?

While it’s hard to imagine the PlayStation 6 or the next Xbox not making waves when they eventually launch, Tascan’s comments reflect a shift in how gaming might look shortly. As cloud gaming becomes more mainstream and mobile play continues to rise, consoles might not be the essential gaming hub for everyone, especially kids who have grown up in an era of smartphones and always-on internet.

Meanwhile, we’re still looking at the next wave of consoles, with Sony and Microsoft likely working on new hardware and Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 coming soon. But Netflix’s push into mobile and accessible gaming platforms suggests that the future of gaming might not hinge on physical consoles at all.

Tascan’s reflections aren’t just about mobile gaming—they’re about adapting to a world where screens are everywhere and games can be accessed at any time. If Netflix can nail the experience of seamless, high-quality gaming on any device, it could be a game-changer, especially for younger audiences who aren’t invested in console ecosystems.

In the end, will kids care about the next PlayStation or Xbox? Maybe not as much as we think. The next big thing could be all about playing games wherever you are, on whatever screen you have in front of you. And Netflix is hoping to be right there, leading the charge.