The exit from Mike Verdu’s Netflix was confirmed, previously responsible for the company’s gaming division. The news, verified by a spokesperson for the company, marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the evolution of the streaming platform towards the video game sector. Verdu had joined Netflix in 2021 with the task of starting and directing the videogame offer. Under his guide, the company has undertaken an ambitious path, characterized by the release of numerous qualifications for mobile devices, available for subscribers, and by the establishment of an internal development structure through acquisitions and new initiatives. Although Netflix’s commitment to the gaming sector continues, Verdu’s involvement had undergone a progressive reduction. A first change of direction occurred in July 2023, when Alain Tascan, a prominent figure with previous experiences in Epic Games, EA and Ubisoft, was appointed head of the division.
Initially, Verdu did not leave the company with the arrival of his successor. In fact, four months ago, he had assumed a new role as vice -president for generative artificial intelligence applied to video games within Netflix. The current situation of this position remains not defined. Netflix’s operation in gaming has undergone relevant transformations from the arrival of Tascan. Last autumn, Team Blue, an internal study responsible for the development of the first “AAA” title of the company was closed. In addition, several outlets of games have been canceled previously announced. We also report the departure of Leanne Lounbe, a key figure in the Verdu team, head of relations with external developers, who left Netflix in January for Annapurna.
Netflix management continues to reiterate the importance of corporate plans in the gaming sector during periodic communications with investors, mentioning greater interest in multiplayer games locally and towards titles connected to the platform’s television series. In line with this last strategy, a video game inspired by the “Squid Game” series was published in December, also made available to non -subscriber users. Netflix has confirmed its presence at the next Game Developers Conference of San Francisco, which will begin on March 17th.
