Netflix’s gaming ambitions are evident as the company continues to expand its gaming division in 2024, highlighted by the appointment of Alain Tascan as the new president of games.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, emphasized the potential of gaming to enhance fan engagement between seasons of their favorite shows and to introduce new characters and storylines. Sarandos also noted a significant increase in gaming engagement on the platform, which tripled in 2023.
Alain Tascan, a veteran in the gaming industry, joins Netflix from Epic Games, where he oversaw first-party game development for major titles like “Fortnite” and “Rocket League.”
His extensive experience includes founding Ubisoft and Electronic Arts studios in Montreal and leading Umi Games as CEO. Industry experts, like Sergey Punchev, believe Tascan’s innovative mindset and leadership skills will bring transformative changes to Netflix’s gaming division.
Netflix’s gaming growth has been steady since its initial foray in 2021, marked by hiring Mike Verdu to lead its game development arm and acquiring several gaming studios.
The company now offers over 100 games for download via its mobile app and is developing additional studios and games based on its own intellectual properties. This strategic move aims to integrate gaming more deeply into the Netflix ecosystem, offering fans more interactive content.
The company’s gaming efforts have resulted in impressive download growth, with figures soaring from 5 million in 2021 to 81 million in 2023, according to Jason Chapman of Konvoy Ventures. Netflix games remain ad-free, even for users on ad-supported streaming plans, which enhances the appeal for subscribers looking for immersive, narrative-driven experiences.
Netflix’s focus on adapting its original IPs into games aligns with Tascan’s expertise in developing premium games based on popular movies during his time at Ubisoft and EA.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Netflix’s position in the gaming industry, leveraging his ability to blend gaming with entertainment and foster a collaborative environment for innovation.
