Warner Bros has announced plans to shut down three of its video game development studios, citing a desire to pivot towards a "fewer but bigger franchises" strategy. The studios in question are MultiVersus developer Player First Games, free-to-play specialist Warner Bros Games San Diego, and Monolith, the longtime studio behind games like No One Lives Forever and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. This move raises concerns about employee well-being and the future of beloved gaming franchises, as well as the viability of prioritizing a smaller number of high-profile titles over a broader portfolio.
Key Points
The implications of Warner Bros' decision on the gaming industry, particularly in the context of the closed studios and their respective projects.r
The potential impact on employee morale and livelihoods, as well as the legacy of the games developed by these studios.r
The shift in strategy towards focusing on a smaller number of bigger franchises, and whether this is a viable or sustainable approach for a game developer.
Advertisement
Original Article
Warner Bros are closing three video game development studios as they seek "to get back to a 'fewer but bigger franchises' strategy", according to a leaked staff memo from Warner Bros head of games and streaming JB Perrette. The three studios in question are MultiVersus developer Player First Games, free-to-play specialists Warner Bros Games San Diego, and Monolith, the 30-year-old studio behind No One Lives Forever, F.E.A.R., Condemned: Criminal Origins, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, and a troubled forthcoming Wonder Woman adaptation that has now been cancelled.
Comments