Mike Verdu Takes on New Role as Netflix’s VP of Generative AI for Games

Mike Verdu has recently stepped into a new role at Netflix as the Vice President of Generative AI (genAI) for games.

Previously, Verdu led Netflix Games but stepped down from that position in June 2024. His role was taken over by Alain Tascan, a former executive from Epic Games, in July. At the time, Netflix had announced that Verdu would be leading a new team focused on innovation and emerging technologies.

Now, it has been revealed that Verdu is indeed working on innovation and emerging technologies which is “generative AI for game development.” In the LinkedIn post, Verdu explained that his goal is to drive a significant shift in the gaming industry using this cutting-edge technology. He believes that generative AI will “accelerate the velocity of development and unlock truly novel game experiences that will surprise, delight, and inspire players.” Verdu described this moment as a “once in a generation” opportunity for both game development and the player experience.

According to Verdu, his vision for AI is centered on “creator-first“. He emphasized that the technology will enhance the capabilities of developers, particularly smaller game studios, by offering tools that can significantly accelerate their work. Large game development teams will also benefit from faster production cycles, while smaller teams will gain access to new, powerful tools.

Verdu also highlighted some of his achievements during his tenure leading Netflix Games. Under his leadership, Netflix successfully launched over 100 games, significantly increasing player engagement. The company even began testing cloud gaming across TVs and PCs in several countries. However, Verdu recognized that his strength lies in starting new ventures. He felt that once Netflix Games had reached a certain level of scale, it was the right time to hand the reins to someone else—Alain Tascan—who could take the division to the next level.

While many in the gaming industry express concerns over the rise of generative AI and its impact on jobs, Verdu takes an optimistic view. He acknowledges the fears but believes that AI has the potential to unlock incredible new possibilities for game creators and players alike. He added that the industry has always adapted to new challenges and will continue to do so.

Verdu also dismissed media speculation about his transition within Netflix, stating that the changes were planned well in advance. Despite ongoing concerns about the ethical implications of generative AI—particularly around copyright infringement—Verdu remains confident that AI will ultimately benefit the gaming industry.

Data from Appmagic revealed that Netflix Games has surpassed 210 million total downloads with popular titles like GTA: San Andreas, Storyteller, and Spongebob: Get Cooking leading to this success.

However, the broader conversation around AI’s role in gaming continues, especially as concerns about job displacement grow, with groups like SAG-AFTRA pushing for AI protections in the gaming industry.

Source: mobilegamer.biz