Mike Verdu, vice president of generative artificial intelligence for Netflix gaming division, has confirmed his resignation. Five months ago, Netflix announced that it would be generative artificial intelligence as its core strategy for game development and promoted Wildou to head of the technology. However, his sudden departure now has brought questions about whether the strategy is too hasty.
When appointed, Wildou expressed his passion for generative artificial intelligence on LinkedIn, calling the technology a new challenge in game development. "I don't think I've been so excited about the industry since the 1990s. At that time, we could see a game that redefines possibilities launch every few months, creating unparalleled innovation and surprises." However, during this time, he failed to elaborate on how generative AI can enhance software development, especially in the face of large-scale layoffs in the industry.
Wildhu's leadership role in the Netflix gaming project is crucial, and his departure may have a significant impact on the advancement of the gaming business. It is not clear how the Generative AI plan will continue after Verdu’s departure. Netflix has not announced his successor, which seems to indicate that generative AI may have lowered priorities in Netflix’s gaming strategy.
According to Netflix, the main factor driving the downloads of its game apps is Grand Theft Auto, which was not developed by the Netflix game team. In addition, Unleashed, adapted from Squid Games, ranks in the top ten in app stores in 107 countries, but the company said the impact of these games on user retention is "relatively small".
Currently, Netflix faces two paths in gaming: continue to develop original games under its own brand, or outsourcing the development rights to obtain meager returns with a smaller investment. While the choice to continue developing original content is attractive to Netflix, generative AI may be an option worth trying as the company's interest in brand new original content fades. However, it may take a lot of time and resources to achieve this, which is one of the reasons why Verdu failed to make significant progress during his tenure.
Key points:
Mike Wildu, vice president of Netflix's gaming division, left the company's generative artificial intelligence strategy, questioned.
During his tenure, Wildu failed to specify the application of generative artificial intelligence in software development and failed to promote progress.
Netflix faces the choice of whether to continue to develop original games or outsourcing development, and the future of generative artificial intelligence is still unclear.