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Mike Verdu, the executive who led Netflix’s foray into gaming before changing roles at the company last year, is no longer at Netflix, a rep for the streaming giant confirmed to Game File.

Verdu joined Netflix in 2021 to launch its game offering. That effort included the release of dozens of new or ported mobile games for paying Netflix subscribers, as well as the creation of a formidable internal game development operation through the purchase and start-up of several studios. (Read my 2023 interview with Verdu about Netflix’s “patient” bet on gaming.)

While Netflix’s gaming efforts are ongoing, Verdu’s involvement had been waning.

Last year, Netflix pivoted—or focused, depending on who you ask. In July, the company brought in former Epic, EA and Ubisoft exec Alain Tascan to helm the gaming division.

Verdu was not immediately out when his successor arrived. Four months ago, he announced he’d taken on a new role as VP of Generative AI for games at Netflix. It’s unclear what has become of that role.

Verdu did not return a request for comment by press time.

Since Tascan took the reins, Netflix’s gaming operation has seen major changes. Last fall, the company shut down Team Blue (the studio that was developing the company’s first AAA game). It has nixed several previously announced game releases. And Verdu’s most senior colleague on the gaming team, Leanne Loombe, who ran third-party relations with outside game makers, left for Annapurna in January.

Netflix execs keep talking up their gaming plans in quarterly calls with investors, most recently teasing additional emphasis on couch co-op party games as well as games that tie in to Netflix shows. The company launched a Squid Game video game in December. That game skipped the Netflix subscriber requirement to allow all mobile users to play it.

Netflix will have a presence next week at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Scoop: Netflix’s first gaming boss exits, following 2024 leadership shift

Plus: Some key changes for this year's Game Developers Conference

www.gamefile.news

 

[Jinzo Prime]

Scoop: Netflix’s first gaming boss exits, following 2024 leadership shift

Plus: Some key changes for this year's Game Developers Conference

www.gamefile.news

They also hired Joseph Staten (Halo 2 - Reach writer) and Rafael Grassetti (Art Director, God of War 2018 and Raknarok), and fired them too. They don't want to commit to gaming. Sad waste of time and talent.