Netflix’s attempts to establish a prominent gaming presence have faced significant challenges. Despite a surge of activity starting in 2021, including the establishment of a gaming studio in 2022, the company recently shut that studio down with little to show for it.

Mike Verdu, who was appointed Vice President of Netflix Games, transitioned briefly to a role focused on AI and generative technologies for gaming. His time in this position was short-lived, spanning just four months before his departure, which Netflix confirmed to sources.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Verdu expressed excitement about the potential of new technologies and described a thrilling time for innovation in gaming. However, the timing of his departure raises questions about those claims, as just months before, he had spoken about the incredible possibilities ahead in the gaming industry.

Verdu’s departure signifies a larger trend within Netflix’s gaming strategy and has sparked discussions on the practical applications of AI in games—a subject that continues to generate both interest and skepticism in the industry.

As the gaming sector evolves, many are left questioning the true impact of AI technologies on game development and whether they will ultimately lead to innovative experiences or simply fill existing roles with automated solutions.