Warner Bros. Games Shifts Focus: What’s Next for Major Franchises?
Warner Bros. Games is charting a modern course, doubling down on its biggest franchises after a period of restructuring that saw the closure of several studios and the cancellation of high-profile projects. The company is signaling a return to form, with plans to deliver significant titles starting in 2027-2028.
Recent Restructuring and Studio Closures
Last year brought significant changes to Warner Bros. Games, including the shuttering of Monolith Productions (known for Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and previously developing a Wonder Woman game), Player First Games (the studio behind MultiVersus), and WB Games San Diego. These closures were part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and concentrate resources on core franchises.
The “Big Four” Franchises
The company has identified four key franchises as the foundation of its future gaming strategy: Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC (with a primary focus on Batman), and Game of Thrones. This focus reflects a desire to leverage established intellectual property with broad appeal and strong brand recognition.
What to Expect in the Coming Years
According to JB Perrette, head of games at Warner Bros., the next few years will be pivotal. While specific titles remain undisclosed, the groundwork is being laid for major releases. A Hogwarts Legacy sequel appears highly probable, given the success of the original game and the upcoming HBO series.
For 2026, Warner Bros. Has two key releases planned: LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and a mobile game based on the Game of Thrones universe. These titles represent a blend of established IPs and new ventures into the mobile gaming space.
The Mobile Gaming Push
Warner Bros. Games is also aiming to revitalize its mobile gaming revenue. This suggests a potential expansion of existing franchises onto mobile platforms, as well as the development of new mobile-exclusive titles. The mobile gaming market continues to grow, offering a significant opportunity for revenue generation.
Addressing Past Performance
The restructuring follows what Warner Bros. Discovery CEO JB Perrette described as a “disappointing 2024” for the games division. The company acknowledged that the quality and market fit of recent releases had fallen short of expectations, prompting the need for a strategic shift.
Did you know?
The cancellation of the Wonder Woman game, announced in 2021, highlights the company’s willingness to abandon projects that no longer align with its strategic priorities.
FAQ
Q: What happened to MultiVersus?
A: The MultiVersus studio, Player First Games, was shut down, and the game was effectively cancelled.
Q: Will there be more Hogwarts Legacy games?
A: While not officially confirmed, a sequel is widely anticipated given the success of the first game.
Q: What is Warner Bros. Games’ focus now?
A: The company is concentrating on four core franchises: Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC (Batman), and Game of Thrones.
Q: What is Warner Bros. Doing to improve game quality?
A: The company is refocusing on fewer, bigger franchises and aiming to improve the product-market fit and overall quality of its releases.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on announcements related to the DC universe, particularly Batman, as Warner Bros. Is prioritizing single-character-led games within that franchise.
What are you most excited to see from Warner Bros. Games in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates!
