Netflix Executive Promotes AI Game Development Shortly After Huge Layoffs

Generative AI has been the epicenter of conversation about the future of entertainment across movies, TV, music, and video games. With more studios and developers embracing the technology, despite an ongoing voice-actor strike and even Robert Downey Jr. planning to sue anyone who uses his likeness. A Netflix executive is doubling down on using generative AI for video game development, even after shutting down a Netflix-owned gaming company.

Former VP of Games Mike Verdu recently announced on his LinkedIn he’s been named VP of GenAI for Games at Netflix, something he’s excited to dabble in.

“At long last, I am ready to talk about what I’m doing next: I am working on driving a ‘once in a generation’ inflection point for game development and player experiences using generative AI,” the post read. ” This transformational technology will accelerate the velocity of development and unlock truly novel game experiences that will surprise, delight, and inspire players.”

Verdu, a founding member of Netflix Games, continued and touted the technology as ushering in a defining time for gamers and said he hadn’t felt this excited since the 1990s. “It was an incredible time to be making games as talented creators showed all of us what the future looked like. Guess what? We’re back to those days of seemingly unlimited potential and the rapid pace of innovation, which resulted in mind-blowing surprises for players every few months.”

Buzzwords aside, it’s interesting for Verdu to dive into games given that Team Blue, a Netflix-owned gaming studio, closed up shop just last month. The result was the laying off of 35 people, whose past credits include big-name, big-budget franchises like Halo, God of War, and Call of Duty. Verdu explains that was all part of the plan.

“Pay no mind to the uninformed speculation in the media about the changes in Netflix Games,” he added. “What you’ve seen over the last several months was actually a planned transition.”

Verdu mentioned no plans or goals were in place since he took the position over the weekend, but insists that he’s focused on a “creator-first” vision. While Team Blue has closed its doors, Netflix still owns Night School, Next Games, Spry Fox, and Boss Fight Entertainment, with over 80 games across its library with huge titles on the horizon like Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game.