Netflix Games has announced that Mike Verdu, their former president and Vice President of GenAI, is leaving the company

Mike Verdu, who held the position of VP of generative AI at Netflix Games, has departed the company.

Netflix confirmed Verdu's exit to Game File, but did not specify the reasons behind his resignation after a short five-month tenure, nor did they announce his successor.

Originally brought on board in 2021 to establish Netflix's gaming unit, Mike Verdu later transitioned to a VP role focused on generative AI in games in November 2024 due to a corporate reshuffling. At that time, Alain Tascan, a former executive from Epic Games, took over leadership of Netflix's gaming sector.

Verdu expressed his enthusiasm for AI's potential in gaming, stating, "Many view [AI] 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." He acknowledged the need for adaptation and change, reflecting on the industry's history of overcoming challenges.

In recent years, Netflix has significantly increased its investments in video gaming, acquiring numerous studios and establishing its own. However, in October, the company announced the closure of a studio in California. Additionally, as part of a strategy to better align its game offerings with member interests, Netflix canceled six game projects in February and reduced staff at Netflix-owned Night School Studio.

Currently, Netflix offers its games solely on mobile platforms, achieving over 210 million downloads across more than 100 games by September.

In another industry move, Annapurna Interactive hired Leanne Loombe, another former Netflix Games executive, as their head of games in January.