Netflix has reached an agreement to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery for roughly $82.7 billion, a sweeping deal that would bring the Hollywood studio and its major gaming operations under the streaming giant’s control. The announcement is one of the largest entertainment acquisitions in recent years, positioning Netflix to expand far beyond streaming into film production, television, and high-profile video game franchises.
The deal also covers film and television properties, including studios, an extensive content library, and the streaming service HBO Max. Warner Bros. Games is included in the acquisition, bringing its game studios under Netflix’s control. That means studios behind some of gaming’s biggest franchises, including NetherRealm Studios (known for Mortal Kombat), Rocksteady Studios (creative force behind the Batman Arkham series), Avalanche Software (developer of Hogwarts Legacy), and TT Games (studio behind numerous LEGO-themed games), will now operate under Netflix’s banner.
For Netflix, this acquisition changes the scale of its gaming ambitions. The company has previously released mostly smaller mobile and casual games, but none of those efforts placed it in the same league as major publishers. By adding these established studios, Netflix gains the capability to deliver high-end console and PC titles as well as tap into existing fan bases for major franchises. With control over some of the most recognizable game franchises and their developers, Netflix may be setting the stage to become a major force in interactive entertainment.
The reaction across the gaming community has been a mix of excitement and concern. Some developers hope Netflix’s financial resources could give the studios room to explore new ideas without the pressure of traditional publisher expectations. Others worry about how Netflix will balance its push into gaming with its core business and whether the studios will face restructuring once the deal closes.
Looking ahead, a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy now seems far more plausible, and future Batman, Mortal Kombat, and Game of Thrones titles may carry the Netflix banner. WB Games already had plans in motion, including rumored new Batman games at Rocksteady and future Mortal Kombat or DC universe entries at NetherRealm and other studios. Under Netflix, there is potential for sequels, remasters, or even cross‑media expansions tying games to streaming content.
The deal is expected to face careful regulatory review. Concerns have already surfaced over the consolidation of major media assets under one corporation, especially as Netflix continues to dominate global streaming. As regulators review the deal, preparations are continuing behind the scenes. The gaming community is watching for signs of what Netflix intends to build. The future of several major franchises now sits with a company that has never owned studios of this scale, and the industry is eager to see what comes next.
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