Generative AI has become the focal point of discussions about the future of entertainment, spanning movies, TV, music, and video games. Despite ongoing controversies, including a voice-actor strike and Robert Downey Jr.'s threat of legal action over the use of his likeness, more studios and developers are adopting the technology. A Netflix executive is particularly bullish on using generative AI for video game development, even after closing down a Netflix-owned gaming company.
Mike Verdu, the former VP of Games at Netflix, recently announced on LinkedIn that he has been appointed VP of GenAI for Games. He expressed his enthusiasm for this new role, stating, "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." Verdu believes this transformative technology will speed up development and create innovative game experiences that will captivate players.
As a founding member of Netflix Games, Verdu reminisced about the 1990s, a period he described as a defining era for gamers. He said, "It was an incredible time to be making games as talented creators showed all of us what the future looked like. Guess what? We're back to those days of seemingly unlimited potential and the rapid pace of innovation, which resulted in mind-blowing surprises for players every few months."
Despite the closure of Team Blue, a Netflix-owned gaming studio, Verdu dismissed media speculation about the changes in Netflix Games. He clarified, "Pay no mind to the uninformed speculation in the media about the changes in Netflix Games. What you've seen over the last several months was actually a planned transition." Verdu emphasized his focus on a "creator-first" vision, although specific plans or goals have yet to be announced.
Netflix still holds stakes in Night School, Next Games, Spry Fox, and Boss Fight Entertainment, with over 80 games in its library, including highly anticipated titles like Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game.
Source link: https://www.gamespot.com
