By Sagar V. Mankar 
Leanne Loombe, Vice President of External Games at Netflix, is leaving the streaming giant after joining in 2021. Loombe played a key role in building Netflix’s gaming division, overseeing partnerships with second and third-party developers and expanding the company’s portfolio of games.
Leadership Changes and Restructuring
Loombe’s exit comes during a period of significant restructuring within Netflix’s gaming division. Alain Tascan, the former EVP of Development at Epic Games, took over as President of Netflix Games in July. He replaced Mike Verdu, who transitioned into a new role as Vice President of Generative AI (GenAI).
The restructuring also led to the closure of Netflix’s internal studio, Team Blue, which was reportedly developing a major multi-platform game. This decision resulted in the departure of key industry figures, including Overwatch executive producer Chacko Sonny, Halo creative lead Joseph Staten, and God of War art director Rafael Grassetti.
Shifts in Netflix’s Gaming Strategy
In another strategic move, Netflix recently removed Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City from its gaming library. These titles were part of the remastered GTA Trilogy and were among Netflix’s most downloaded games. Currently, only Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas remains available on the platform.
During an investor call last year, Netflix co-CEO Gregory Peters acknowledged that while gaming engagement has increased, its overall impact on the company’s business remains relatively small. He emphasized that Netflix’s investment in gaming is measured and aligns with its growth trajectory.
Sources: PocketGamer.biz