Former Netflix VP Mike Verdu Leaves Company

Former Netflix VP of games, Mike Verdu, has parted ways with the streaming giant after being with the company for nearly four years. This news was confirmed by Netflix to PocketGamer.biz and initially reported by Game File. Verdu initially joined Netflix in 2021 to lead their gaming efforts.

After leaving his role last June, Verdu eventually took on the position of VP of GenAI for games. In this role, he aimed to spearhead a significant shift in game development and player experiences through the use of generative AI technology.

Following Verdu’s departure, ex-Epic Games EVP of development, Alain Tascan, stepped into the top role as president of the games division in July 2024. This change in leadership signaled a shake-up in Netflix’s gaming operations. Earlier this year, it was reported that VP of external games, Leanne Loombe, also left the company. Additionally, Netflix closed its internal studio, Team Blue, which was reportedly working on a high-profile, multi-platform game.

Notable staff members from Team Blue, such as Overwatch’s Chacko Sonny, Halo’s Joseph Staten, and God of War’s Rafael Grassetti, also bid farewell to the company. Last year, Netflix Co-CEO Gregory Peters mentioned that they are strategically aligning their investments in games with their overall business growth. He emphasized the importance of growing engagement to a point where it significantly impacts the business.

While there have been shifts within Netflix’s gaming division, the company continues to push forward with nearly 90 games in development as part of its cross-platform gaming vision. Additionally, Netflix is making moves into cloud gaming, with plans to establish a new studio in Southern California. The company has also secured a three-game deal with Ubisoft and continues to expand its mobile game offerings.

In summary, Netflix’s gaming division may have seen changes in leadership and studio closures, but the company remains committed to growing its presence in the gaming industry and delivering engaging entertainment experiences to its audience.