No More Gaming on Netflix? Netflix’ Gaming Chief Has Quit

The resignation of Netflix’s Head of Gaming and Generative AI, Mike Verdu, raises questions about the future direction of Netflix’s gaming initiatives.

Mike Verdu’s Career At Netflix

Mike Verdu, who joined Netflix in 2021 to lead its gaming division, has left the company. As confirmed by a Netflix representative (according to Game File), he quit in February.

His departure coincides with notable adjustments in Netflix’s approach towards gaming, such as recent staff reductions and the shutdown of their AAA game development unit, known as Team Blue.

During his tenure at the company, Verdu held the position of Netflix’s vice president of games. He played a crucial part in bringing Netflix Games to life, managing mobile game releases, and eventually taking charge of cloud gaming tests.

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Verdu served as Netflix’s vice president of games during his time at the company. He was instrumental in launching Netflix Games, overseeing mobile game launches, and leading cloud gaming trials.

Seven months have passed since Netflix made Alain Tascan, the ex-CEO of Epic Games, their new gaming president.

At that time, Netflix assigned Verdu a new role focused on „transformative innovation in game creation and development“. In November 2024, then, he transitioned to vice president of generative AI for games, a move he described as a planned shift in a LinkedIn post.

The Future Of Netflix Games

Under Tascan’s new leadership, Netflix has scaled back some gaming initiatives, cutting interactive video content and canceling planned game releases like Thirsty Suitors and Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game.

Unleashed” being their most successful game released so far.

Tascan and other executives are expected to share more about Netflix’s gaming direction at the upcoming Game Developers Conferencein San Francisco, March 17–22.

Have you ever played any games on Netflix? What are your thoughts about the impact of the recent changes in Netflix’s gaming division might have?

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2025-03-15 18:40