The Head of Netflix Gaming and Generative AI Has Departed the Company

Netflix’s gaming VP Mike Verdu has left after being hired in 2021 to launch the platform’s gaming initiatives. This is the latest shakeup for the streaming giant the streaming giant, which has undergone mass layoffs to its gaming division recently.

According to Game File, a Netflix representative confirmed that Verdu did leave the company. He was brought on to release new and ported mobile games to the Netflix platform for paying subscribers, and also lead internal game development.

Verdu went through several title changes during his time at Netflix. He started as the VP of game development, helping build the foundation of Netflix Games, including studios and publishing arms. He then got promoted to the VP of games, and rolled out cloud streaming tests to TVs and PCs in several countries.

His last role before leaving Netflix was VP of Gen AI in games. He transitioned to this role in November 2024, and while the move to AI may have been seen as a market pivot for Netflix, Verdu said in a LinkedIn update, “What you’ve seen over the last several months was actually a planned transition.”

In July 2024, Netflix also hired Epic Games executive Alain Tascan to become its president of gaming.

Under Tascan, Netflix has recently cut off some of its gaming plans. It closed its in-house AAA development team, called Team Blue, as well as removed almost all of its interactive video titles. It also laid off several employees at Oxenfree developer Night School Studios after acquiring them in 2021 and walked back on releasing six games on the platform, including Thirsty Suitors and Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings game.