Netflix Looks Toward Mobile-First, Controller-Free Cloud Gaming

Netflix aims to reach a broader audience with cloud-first, controller-free gaming with smartphones as major input devices, according to a recent interview with Alain Tascan, Netflix’s President of Games with The Game Business.

Tascan laid out a clear vision: make games as instantly accessible as streaming a TV show, no consoles, no controllers, no downloads – straight to play. “There’s still too much friction in gaming,” Tascan said. “Needing extra controllers, expensive hardware, waiting for downloads, it’s a barrier. What if we just removed all of that?”

Netflix’s President of Games emphasizes using smartphones as controllers (via gyroscope, mic, touchscreen) suitable both for single and party-style titles. The company aims to turn games into something casual anyone can jump into within seconds, whether you’re solo or playing with 20 friends.

Like Wii did in terms of casual entertainment when it brought motion-controlled gaming to millions of players, Netflix wants to capture a broad, global audience by lowering technical barriers with no dedicated device required.

Following the shuttering of its AAA studio, Netflix is doubling down on social, mobile-first games. The streaming service is already testing cloud-based games through its website, and Tascan’s team is focusing on quick, social titles.

“To win in this space, you need time, stubbornness, and investment,” Tascan said, hinting that such a strategic approach in games is a long term plan.

Alain Tascan was appointed as the president of Netflix’s gaming division in July 2024. Prior to joining Netflix, Tascan served as the executive vice president of game development at Epic Games since 2018, overseeing titles such as Fortnite, Lego Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys. He also founded Ubisoft and Electronic Arts’ Montreal studios, contributing to games like Army of Two and Need for Speed: Nitro.