Days after shutting its AAA game studio filled with former God of War and Overwatch talent, Netflix announces a "new initiative" powered by AI

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Santa Monica Studio) The news comes in the form of a LinkedInpostfrom Mike Verdu, the founder and previous vice president of Netflix Games and now the new VP of “GenAI for Games” at Netflix. “At long last, I am ready to talk about what I’m doing next: I am working on driving a ‘once in a generation’ inflection point for game development and player experiences using generative AI,” reads Verdu’s big reveal. This “transformational technology,” as he says, will “accelerate the velocity of development and unlock truly novel game experiences that will surprise, delight, and inspire players.” It’s admittedly a bit alarming considering the company’s recent studio closure and loss of talent like Overwatch executive producer Chacko Sonny and God of War Ragnarok art director Rafael Grassetti - but according to Verdu, it’ll run on a “creator-first” system. “I am focused on a creator-first vision for AI,” he writes, “one that puts creative talent at the center, with AI being a catalyst and an accelerant. AI will enable big game teams to move much faster, and will also put an almost unimaginable collection of new capabilities in the hands of developers in smaller game teams.” Verdu also assures readers that the AI division at Netflix has been “planned” for some time now. “Pay no mind to the uninformed speculation in the media about the changes in Netflix Games,” states the VP. “What you’ve seen over the last several months was actually a planned transition.” While I can’t say I feel better about the entire situation personally, I do wonder what direction “GenAI for Games” at Netflix will take - and how Verdu plans to make his so-called “dent in the universe” with AI as the division’s lead. Microsoft Gaming laid off over 2,500 workers this year, but it still found enough spare change to give its CEO a $79 million bonus Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more CATEGORIESPC GamingXbox Series XPS5Nintendo SwitchPlatformsXboxPlayStationNintendo CATEGORIES More about god of warGod of War actor Chris Judge says it’s “absolutely not true” that he teased new content as “you can’t tease something you know nothing about"Netflix reportedly shutters its AAA game studio, dismantling a team of former God of War, Overwatch, Halo, and Gears of War devsLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about god of warGod of War actor Chris Judge says it’s “absolutely not true” that he teased new content as “you can’t tease something you know nothing about"Netflix reportedly shutters its AAA 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Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature 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