Warner Bros. Makes Massive Change in Its Video Game Strategy
By Movieguide® Contributor
Warner Bros. is making a major change in its video game production, shutting down three studios and canceling a Wonder Woman game as it focuses on its core IP.
“Our hope was to give players and fans the highest quality experience possible for the iconic character, and unfortunately this is no longer possible within our strategic priorities,” a spokesperson for Warner Bros. Discovery said after the cancellation of the game was announced, per The Hollywood Reporter. “This is another tough decision, as we recognize Monolith’s storied history of delivering epic fan experiences through amazing games.”
Monolith first began production on the Wonder Woman game in 2021.
Along with Monolith Productions, the company will also shutter Player First Games and Warner Bros. Games San Diego.
“This is a strategic change in direction and not a reflection of these teams or the talent that consists within them,” the spokesperson added, speaking to the three studios. “We greatly admire the passion of the three teams and thank every employee for their contributions. As difficult as today is, we remain focused on and excited about getting back to producing high-quality games for our passionate fans and developed by our world class studios and getting our Games business back to profitability and growth in 2025 and beyond.”
READ MORE: WHAT IS CAUSING THE COLLAPSE OF THE GAME DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY?
Warner Bros. Discovery clarified that it’s main focus for its video game teams lie with Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat and Game of Thrones along with the wider DC universe, rather than a specific superhero.
The shuttering of these three game studios comes as Warner Bros. Discovery gets serious about its future. Last December, the company revealed that profit is its highest priority, announcing a restructuring of the company that would allow it to detangle itself from its failing cable networks. It’s no surprise that this scrutiny of cost and profit has made its way into the studio’s game business, especially after 2024 was largely a bust in the industry for high-budget games.
Nonetheless, the future of the video game industry looks bright, and experts predict 2025 could be the best year ever as the popularity of gaming only continues to grow worldwide.
READ MORE: WHY 2025 COULD BE A MAJOR YEAR FOR VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT
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