Warner Bros. Discovery Axes Wonder Woman Game and Shuts Down Three Studios!

2022 and 2021 have been challenging periods for the video game industry, with tough times seemingly escalating. This year alone, we’ve seen numerous studio closures, layoffs, and cancellations, and Warner Bros. Discovery is now adding to this list. They announced their decision to shut down three of their gaming studios, including Monolith Productions which has been in operation for 31 years. Notable games developed by Monolith include “Middle-earth: Shadow of War”. Additionally, the studio behind “MultiVersus” was also closed as part of this move. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. Discovery’s previously announced “Wonder Woman” video game has been canceled as well.

Initially, I had hoped that Warner Bros. Discovery would start producing their own video games internally. However, the recent changes in structure suggest a shift towards a new direction for me.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve learned that Warner Bros. Discovery has taken some significant steps in the gaming realm recently. Not only did they call off the development of their highly anticipated “Wonder Woman” game, but they’ve also shut down Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and Warner Bros. Games San Diego. It was Monolith that had been diligently working on the “Wonder Woman” game prior to its cancellation. Unfortunately, Player First Games, known for their creation of “MultiVersus”, didn’t meet expectations. Lastly, Warner Bros. Games San Diego was said to be developing an exciting new AAA, free-to-play, cross-platform game, which unfortunately is no more.

In reference to their closing down game development studios and broader organizational changes, Warner Bros. Discovery announced these moves as part of an overall strategic overhaul.

To optimize our game development efforts and focus on creating outstanding titles with our main franchises – Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones – we’ve been compelled to reorganize our studios and investments. As a result of this strategic restructuring, we regretfully announce the closure of three development studios: Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and Warner Bros. Games San Diego. This decision is not a commentary on the skill or talent of these teams but rather a change in our direction to better achieve our objectives.

Unfortunately, Monolith’s work on the “Wonder Woman” video game will not progress further. We aimed to offer players and enthusiasts a top-tier experience featuring this renowned character, but it’s regrettable that we can no longer achieve this goal given our strategic objectives. This decision is challenging, as we appreciate Monolith’s rich legacy of crafting outstanding games that delight fans. We deeply value the dedication of the three teams and express gratitude to each employee for their invaluable contributions. Despite today’s challenges, we continue to strive towards creating exceptional games for our devoted fanbase and returning our studios to profitability and growth by 2025 and beyond.

Despite the importance of having strategic plans and appreciation, it’s disheartening to see an increasing number of video game studios shutting down their operations, especially when some have been around for over three decades. In a recent email from JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games for Warner Bros. Discovery (as reported by Polygon), he mentioned that Warner Bros. Games had a “disappointing 2024.” He further explained, “We must and will improve, prioritizing our fans first and foremost, as restoring credibility is crucial for us to attract more investment in games in the future. Regaining our confidence occurs through the release of each high-quality game, and our financial reliability is rebuilt one fiscal quarter at a time – by delivering on our promises and avoiding any major unexpected setbacks.

Perrette mentions that Warner Bros. Discovery may make use of their talent wherever feasible, which we can only hope becomes a reality.

Following David Haddad’s departure from his position at Warner Bros. Games Division in January, it appears that the company is undergoing a restructuring. The underperformance of the game “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” and the lukewarm response to the relaunch of “MultiVersus” seem to be significant factors contributing to this change. It’s hoped that this realignment within Warner Bros. Games will eventually lead to fresh prospects in the gaming industry.

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2025-02-26 21:32