Mike Verdu Named Vice President, GenAI for Games at Netflix
– 2 min read
Vice President, GenAI for Games - that is Mike Verdu's new position at Netflix. The former VP Games sees generative AI as a '"once in a generation" inflection point for game development and player experiences'.
Mike Verdu has taken on a new role at Netflix. Since November 2024, he has been Vice President, GenAI for Games. His previous position, VP Games, was taken over by Alain Tascan (President of Games) in the middle of the year. In an euphoric post on LinkedIn, he talks about a '"once in a generation" inflection point for game development and player experiences using generative AI. This transformational technology will accelerate the velocity of development and unlock truly novel game experiences that will surprise, delight, and inspire players.'
For him, generative AI is the next challenge. Verdu: "I am focused on a creator-first vision for AI, one that puts creative talent at the center, with AI being a catalyst and an accelerant. AI will enable big game teams to move much faster, and will also put an almost unimaginable collection of new capabilities in the hands of developers in smaller game teams. (...) Many view this technology with fear, but I am a game-maker at heart and I see its potential to unlock all of us, to create mind-blowing new experiences for players, to lift us to new heights. Yes, we'll have to adapt and change, but when have we failed to meet that challenge as an industry."
He is excited to lead this new initiative and said that media speculation about the direction of Netflix Games should not be taken lightly. Such reports have been circulating since Netflix closed one of its internal studios, 'Team Blue', without releasing a game.
The comments on his LinkedIn post are less than euphoric. The company's strategy, potential job losses and the quality of its AI products are widely criticised.
Incidentally, Netflix has also confirmed to The Verge that its slate of interactive films and series will be reduced. All but four titles will disappear from 1 December 2024. The remaining titles include Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend, Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls, and You vs. Wild.
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