Netflix plans to utilize generative AI to help develop its games, and this initiative will be led by Mike Verdugo.
Verdu said in a statement: “This transformative technology will accelerate the speed of development and unlock truly new gaming experiences that will surprise, delight and inspire players.” Share LinkedIn’s announcement of his new role as Vice President of Generative AI Games. “I’m focused on a creator-centric AI vision, one that puts creative talent at the center, where AI is a catalyst and accelerator.”
“AI will allow large game teams to move faster and will also put an almost unimaginable array of new capabilities in the hands of small game team developers,” his Monday post concluded.
A Netflix spokesperson declined to comment.
Verdu joined the streamer as vice president of game development in 2021. In June, it was revealed that he would take on a new role focused on “transformative innovation in game creation and development.”
“Over the past three years, I’ve worked with an incredible leadership team to build Netflix games from the ground up, including building a strong internal game studio, creating a world-class publishing organization, and collaborating with Netflix’s cross-functional teams. Verdugo wrote at the time: “to deliver amazing games to Netflix members on mobile devices and TVs (and PCs) via the cloud.” “We’ve delivered over 100 games, increased game engagement in many countries, and implemented a cloud streaming experience to TV and PC in many countries. “I’m very proud of this!”
“However, after building and selling three startups and building three new divisions in larger organizations, I easily realized that my strength is 0-1, or 0-1000 in terms of employees,” he continued. “When Netflix Games reached scale, I realized it was time to hand it over to someone who could take this company to the next level.”
In July, Netflix hired Epic Games’ Alan Tuskan as his replacement.
“Alan Tuskan is the right choice to do this. She’s already taking Netflix games in new and exciting directions,” Verdu said. “For me, I’m ready for the next big challenge after GenAI. GenAI is the next challenge.
Since announcing its gaming division in November 2021, Netflix has acquired four game development studios (Night School, Boss Fight, Next Games and Spry Fox) and is building two studios from scratch in Southern California and Helsinki.
Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix has abandoned the development of its own AAA game title as it shifts its focus towards casual gaming. It has also reportedly laid off a small number of employees. After shutting down its Team Blue video game studio.
But Netflix said it was happy with the growth of the gaming division, noting that user engagement tripled in 2023, and sees it as an opportunity to help retain streaming subscribers.
“I can’t believe how lucky I am to be alive when this big wave is about to hit the video game industry. Many look at this technology with fear, but I’m a game creator at heart and I see its potential to open us all up, create amazing new experiences for gamers, and take us to new heights. Yes, we will have to adapt and change, but when did we as an industry stop taking on this challenge?” Verdoux noted. “I couldn’t be more excited to lead this new initiative! Don’t pay attention to the false speculation in the media about changes to Netflix games. What you’ve seen in recent months has actually been a planned transition. And yes, I’m perfectly happy to be back on the frontier, trying to make an impact on the universe.
