Warner Bros Discovery is shifting its focus in the video game sector to four main franchises: Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, Harry Potter, and the DC Universe. This decision comes after mixed results from the gaming division. In 2023, they achieved success with Hogwarts Legacy, but followed it up with the disappointment of MultiVersus.
David Zaslav, the company’s CEO, acknowledged during a recent earnings call that MultiVersus fell short of expectations, contributing to a significant $300 million loss in their gaming business this year.
Looking ahead, Warner Bros Games will merge with the Streaming & Studios division as the company plans to split into two parts by mid-2026. While there haven’t been any layoffs, several executives have taken on new roles to better align with the company’s strategy.
Yves Lachance, head of the Montréal Studio, has stepped up as Senior Vice President of Development. He will manage teams working on the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones games. Meanwhile, Shaun Himmerick, who leads NetherRealm Studio, now oversees Mortal Kombat and DC games. Both of these leaders will coordinate all development studios under their respective franchises.
Additionally, Steven Flenory, head of the New York Studio, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Central Tech & Services, where he will handle Game and Publishing Technology, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, and User Research.
JB Perrette, CEO of Global Streaming & Games, expressed optimism about the changes. He noted that the company holds valuable franchises and is committed to long-term planning to enhance player experiences.
In a recent survey, 60% of gamers indicated they prioritize quality and innovation in games. This suggests that Warner Bros’s reorganization could align with user desires for engaging and high-quality content.
While the gaming industry faces fluctuations, the focus on established franchises could set Warner Bros up for future success.
Source link
JB Perrette,Warner Bros,warner bros discovery,Warner Bros Games