In a surprising and controversial move, WB Games appears poised to intensify its focus on live service games. This revelation follows the underwhelming performance of their recent release, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which failed to meet sales expectations. Rather than prompting a reassessment of their strategy, it seems to have spurred the publisher to double down on this approach.
At a recent Morgan Stanley event, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and President of Streaming and Games, J.B. Perrette, outlined the company’s strategic shift. Emphasizing a desire to concentrate on developing more multiplatform free-to-play and mobile experiences, Perrette noted the success of last year’s Hogwarts Legacy while acknowledging the volatility of AAA releases.
“Achieving success with a hit release is truly remarkable for business. It can make the entire year seem exceptional. However, on the flip side, we also encounter disappointments. Suicide Squad’s performance this quarter didn’t meet our expectations, highlighting the volatility of the industry.” – J.B. Perrette
According to Perrette, WB Games aims to focus on expanding its presence in the mobile and free-to-play market, particularly leveraging their biggest franchises: Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and DC. Anticipating results between 2025 and 2027, the company sees significant potential in this direction.
Moreover, this shift in focus is expected to refine Warner Bros.’ live-service offerings, with plans underway for a Harry Potter-themed live-service game. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain, with only time revealing its impact on the company’s long-term prospects.
“Instead of simply delivering a standalone console game, our focus is on crafting experiences around iconic properties like Hogwarts Legacy or Harry Potter. Imagine a live service where players can continuously immerse themselves in that world, build, work, and play.” – J.B. Perrette
Meanwhile, Monolith is currently engaged in developing a single-player Wonder Woman game set in a separate universe, suggesting a divergence from the live service trend. It remains to be seen how these contrasting approaches will shape the studio’s future endeavors. What are your thoughts on these developments? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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