WBD confirms that Warner Bros. Games will be acquired by Netflix along with its wider streaming and television business

A Warner Bros. spokesperson has confirmed the video game division will be acquired by Netflix alongside its wider streaming and television business.

Game Developer 2025-12-06 Chris Kerr

Discussion

@deeketweak Derek Strickland on x
Just a quick clarification: Netflix will own Warner Bros Warner Bros. includes WB Games Netflix wouldn't technically be operating WB Games directly. A level of organizational structure will remain. Think of it like Xbox buying ZeniMax, which is the parent/operator of BGS.
@phollanda Pedro Hollanda on bluesky
Oh, good. Someone trying to buy Warner by taking on a stupid amount of debt. Again! [embedded post]
@del.art @del.art on bluesky
After Netflix execs dismantled their AAA games studio in 2024, because they believe those types of games are too risky, I am big time worried about WB Montreal, NetherRealm, Avalanche and Rocksteady.
@zenofdesign.com Damion Schubert on bluesky
Oh sure, get all the Warner and DC rights AFTER I stop making games for Netflix. [embedded post]
@kerrblimey Chris Kerr on bluesky
I also attended the full Netflix conference call discussing the proposed deal and the VAST majority of chatter was focused on film and television (and IP ownership). — This ‘Business Overview’ slide contained the only mention of WB's video game business. [image]
@knoebel @knoebel on bluesky
A WB spokesperson confirmed that the nine WB Games Studios will join Netflix including NetherRealm, Rocksteady, Avalanche Software, and TT Games. — www.gamedeveloper.com/business/ yes... [image]
@wario64 @wario64 on bluesky
“a Warner Bros Discovery spokesperson confirmed the recently-restructured video game division, which includes studios such as Mortal Kombat creator NetherRealm, Batman: Arkham developer Rocksteady, and LEGO custodian TT Games, will be joining Netflix.” — www.gamedeveloper.com/b…
r/xbox r on reddit
Yes, Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros. Games | Game Developer
@rondesantis Ron DeSantis on x
Over/under on this deal sticking after review by the Feds? [image]
r/MediaMergers r on reddit
The Regulatory Road: Netflix Banking On Overcoming The Trump Factor In Warner Bros. Deal — Analysis
TV Blackbox Kyle Laidlaw on x
NETFLIX set to snap up Warner Bros. in mega Hollywood shake-up
@jasonkilar Jason Kilar on x
If I was tasked with doing so, I could not think of a more effective way to reduce competition in Hollywood than selling WBD to Netflix
@daveleedwnundr Dave Lee on x
Warner Bros. has the greatest restoration & preservation ops in Hollywood. At any time they are remastering DOZENS of films & cartoons with groundbreaking proprietary tech. Many of these are released MONTHLY thru the Warner Archive. I will feel SICK if anything happens to them. […
@mbrandolph Marc Randolph on x
Mind blowing they are going to own HBO. They were the proprietary content pioneers. We always looked up to them.
@edmundlee Edmund Lee on x
Let's continue our game: Filmmakers like James Cameron don't want Netflix to get Warner, bad for art. But if the Ellisons win, they'll control CNN and CBS, collapsing two of the nation's largest news orgs under Bari Weiss. film versus news, aka commerce versus democracy
@magicjohnson Earvin Magic Johnson on x
I want to congratulate my good friend and Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos for pulling off a massive deal and acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery! Cookie and I have been friends with Ted and Nicole a very long time and can't say enough about how proud we are of Ted's illustrious business
@douglaslfarrar Douglas Farrar on x
This deal appears to clearly violate basic principles of antitrust law. The #1 streamer merging with the #3 streamer, with all sorts of other implications for markets like theaters. Over to Trump's DOJ....
@gerberkawasaki Ross Gerber on x
Netflix has the cash flow credit, and stock value to pull this off and it becomes the absolute king of entertainment! What a coup. $nflx $wbd
@therochasays John Rocha on x
THIS. 100% THIS. If Ellison hadn't started this shit with a “I'm feeling myself with Daddy's money” power grab, WB wouldn't have been sold. So make sure some of your anger today at NETFLIX and Zaslav gets aimed at this tool as well.
@superwuster Tim Wu on x
So far don't see anything to doubt that Netflix - WB is presumptively illegal. Netflix & HBO Max are direct competitors in premium streaming / subscription video on demand with big shares. Also obvious labor effects (like Random House) Looks like antitrust 101 (so far).
@stocksavvyshay Shay Boloor on x
$NFLX buying $WBD officially marks the shift from platform to media powerhouse by controlling both the content funnel & distribution. The disruptor that killed studios is now absorbing one of Hollywood's oldest studios.
@rogermarshallmd Dr. Roger Marshall on x
Netflix's $82 billion attempt to buy Warner Bros. would be the largest media takeover in history — and it raises serious red flags for consumers, creators, movie theaters, and local businesses alike. One company should not have full vertical control of the content and the distri…
@edmundlee Edmund Lee on x
for SEC geeks, NETFLIX has written several weapons into the deal: 1. cites a “non-appealable” regulatory restriction, meaning it will appeal if gov't blocks deal 2. cites Mar 4 2027 as end date with 6-mo extension, months before Trump's term ends, so they'll just wait him out. [i…
@senmikelee Mike Lee on x
A lot of antitrust red flags here. A hearing is almost certain. Stay tuned...
@joecarlsonshow Joseph Carlson on x
Netflix found a way to buy all the good stuff from Warner Bos. The production Studios, the epic movie franchise, all the boutique high-end HBO series, without any of the legacy cable-discovery assets. It's really incredible how management has executed on this company. $NFLX
@jailedamanda Amanda on x
Tom Cruise watching WB, the studio he left Paramount for, be acquired by fucking Netflix less than a month after he was awarded an Oscar for saving theatrical movies [video]
@buccocapital @buccocapital on x
Tourist take re: NFLX - please poke holes If it goes through they get strategic assets and further consolidation If it doesn't, they kept an asset out of competitor hands for two years while they build an even deeper advantage Too simple?
@mbrandolph Marc Randolph on x
29 years I debated whether I could afford to spend $50K to buy the domain name I really wanted for Netflix (replay . com). I decided that was crazy money. Netflix it was. Now they can afford to pay 70 Billion for something. Who woulda thunk.
@superwuster Tim Wu on x
Netflix maybe could get more people on board if it left HBO and the streaming services out of the deal
@jason @jason on x
Team less government suddenly wants more government intervention! 😂😂😂 If Netflix wants to shut down the studio lot and kills theatrical, or deprecates it, lets them! that's an opportunity for entrepreneurs to take that business and reinvent it. No crying in the casino MattyG!
@matthewberman Matthew Berman on x
This will turn out to be one of the best acquisitions in history and sets up @netflix to be the Disney of this century.
@jailedamanda Amanda on x
I need Tom Cruise to stop taking whatever mood stabilizer he's secretly been on for the last 20 years and unhinge his jaw to swallow Ted Sarandos whole
@sagaftra @sagaftra on x
SAG-AFTRA Statement Regarding Proposed Netflix/Warner Bros. Transaction [image]
@pronkdaniel Daniel Pronk on x
Let's face it. $NFLX buying $WBD strengthens the company's moat and gives it access to many great titles. I for one will watch anything related to: - The Last of Us - Game of Thrones - Harry Potter $NFLX can pour fire on these.
@brianstelter Brian Stelter on x
This is a David and Goliath story - with a twist. Almost exactly 15 years ago today the owner of Warner Bros. and HBO pushed back on Hollywood and Wall Street hype about a streaming upstart named Netflix. The Jeff Bewkes quote is now infamous...
@rokhanna Ro Khanna on x
. @JDVance you said you find some of my ideas interesting. How about we both oppose the Netflix Warner Brother merger? Here's why: ✅ Netflix will not release enough theatrical movies so theaters could end up collapsing. They did not even put KPop Demon Hunters in theaters! ✅ …
@synthpotato @synthpotato on x
@netflix This is insane and I really have a bad feeling it will contribute to the death of cinema.
@criminalplaza Kie on x
im also VERY worried for all the movies that will become lost media because netflix decides they dont want it anymore
@lauraloomer Laura Loomer on x
[...] If Netflix is allowed to buy Warner Bros and Trump's administration doesn't kill off the merger, CNN will be transformed into the Obama News Network, featuring shows hosted by Michelle Obama where she lectures Americans about how racist and sexist we are.
@jacobfeldman4 @jacobfeldman4 on x
Netflix had been fighting the streaming wars on two fronts: 1. vs Hollywood over how people watch movies 2. vs TV over how people watch live events Acquiring Warner Bros. might just end the first fight, allowing Netflix to dictate terms with theaters (WB has had 15-25% market
@matthewstoller Matt Stoller on x
The Netflix attempt to buy Warner Bros Discovery would be a disaster for Hollywood and America. It's also illegal and likely to face a merger challenge. https://www.thebignewsletter.com/ ...
@scottgustin Scott Gustin on x
coming soon to your inbox [image: Netflix price increase email]
@sherman4949 Alex Sherman on x
On this front — What's more valuable to Netflix: $5b or keeping WBD away from Paramount and Comcast for two years?
@lucas_shaw Lucas Shaw on x
Netflix matched paramount's offer for a $5B breakup fee, a sign that Netflix is confident it cans get its feos with WBD approved. Or that $5B doesn't mean much to a $450B company. There's will be strong opposition. Will be very curious how the stock reacts tomorrow.
@sonnybunch Sonny Bunch on x
Netflix has made vast oceans of television-like content in the last 15 years and none of it would crack the top 20 HBO shows. I'm sure this deal will be great for everyone.
@joecarlsonshow Joseph Carlson on x
This is a win-win-win for Netflix. Even if the government ends up blocking it, it would delay Paramount from buying Warner for a minimum of 2 years during litigation. Well worth the $5 billion breakup fee for Netflix to slow a competitor that long.
@mattgaetz Matt Gaetz on x
TRUMP MUST STOP THIS! The DOJ and @PamBondi will surely see this as an anti-trust violation and deeply harmful to the marketplace. The most massive content distributor lashing to a massive content producer / catalog will create a homogenized, woke nightmare for the media
@senwarren Elizabeth Warren on x
This deal looks like an anti-monopoly nightmare. A Netflix-Warner Bros. would create one massive media giant with control of close to half of the streaming market. It could force you into higher prices, fewer choices over what and how you watch, and may put American workers at …
@grahamformaine @grahamformaine on x
These assholes want to kill movies so they can get richer and richer. This merger needs to be stopped.
@danprimack Dan Primack on x
2/ If I'm Ellison, my pitch to shareholders isn't financial. It's certainty of close. Maybe I include a photo w/ Trump...
@mikeisaac Rat King on x
meta used this argument against the FTC lawsuit this year and won
@danprimack Dan Primack on x
Yup. Per newsletter last week: “Bear case for Netflix: It could face antitrust challenges if regulators argue that media market size should be determined by number of streaming subscribers.” https://www.axios.com/...
@laurenshirsch Lauren Hirsch on x
Companies have persuaded regulators to broaden the definition of an industry in their favor before: see the 2008 merger of Sirius and XM. Execs successfully argued authorities should look to other audio competition, like HD radio and iPods. But it doesn't always work.
@bedoyausa Alvaro Bedoya on x
The Netflix-Warner deal is a horror movie. And not like OG Scream or Sinners. This is like the Human Centipede part 23. On a long haul flight. In the middle seat [...] What's to be done here? Normally, the Department of Justice would intervene and block the merger. But I'm …
@laurenshirsch Lauren Hirsch on x
One of the most interesting things to watch on the Netflix/WBD deal is how the DOJ wants to define the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. Netflix will argue regulators should think of share of eyeballs (YouTube, TikTok, etc) not streamers.
@modestproposal1 @modestproposal1 on x
Folks, Reed Hastings played the long game. 8 years ago he defined the market to include sleep. YouTube is just another drop in the ocean of time. [image]
@joemillerjr Joe Miller on x
Noteworthy that these posts, and those from the tech industry, are not combined with a threat from US social media groups to withdraw from EU market.
@gentledoofus @gentledoofus on x
Netflix, by far the largest streamer, absorbing HBO Max, which is the third largest, really should set off monopoly alarm bells, not to mention what this terrible news could be for movie theaters and physical media.
@ashleevance Ashlee Vance on x
Hi, @netflix. Once you close this acquisition, I have a great idea for your first show.
@lucas_shaw Lucas Shaw on x
Senator Warren comes out against the Netflix-WBD deal. [image]
@ziggys_duck @ziggys_duck on x
Netflix CEO announcing price increase now that it owns The Wire, The Sopranos & GOT. [video]
@mikeisaac Rat King on x
truly did not expect this, thought paramount had acquisitions on lock netflix's achilles heel was always not owning any real franchise IP. (though not for lack of trying) WBD library is brimming with em. a goliath among streamers, now on steroids https://www.nytimes.com/... [imag…
@lizrhoffman Liz Hoffman on x
Former CEO of WarnerMedia👇🏼
@pkafka Peter Kafka on x
A real test for Trump 2.0: Can Larry and David get him to kill a $83 billion deal? https://www.businessinsider.com/ ...
@mikeisaac Rat King on x
question now — which media reporters will know the answer to better than i — is whether Ellison goes beast mode and starts hucking rocks (lawsuits, hostile takeover, ???) to tear apart the deal
@sherman4949 Alex Sherman on x
Big picture view: It's very surprising Netflix has done this. I know they change their mind on everything, and there are extremely good strategic reasons for doing this deal in many different ways, but this is the least likely outcome I would have guessed 3 months ago.
@austincarr Austin Carr on x
@MikeIsaac Wild that Ted Sarandos once said Netflix's “goal is to become HBO faster than HBO can become us” Then just ~12 years later, Ted enters agreement to buy HBO as just 1 piece of deal valued at less than 1/5th Netflix's market cap. I guess HBO Now/Go/Max/etc did not move f…
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
it's official, Netflix is buying Warner Bros. for $83 billion. The streamer will acquire the Warner studio, both HBO and HBO Max, and access to IP including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and DC Comics https://www.theverge.com/...
@brianstelter Brian Stelter on x
Wow. Netflix has triumphed in the bidding war for Warner Bros. and HBO. https://www.cnn.com/...
@theonion.com @theonion.com on bluesky
Netflix Confirms Cancel Membership Button Will Be Leaving Streaming Service Next Month [image]
@davechen David Chen on bluesky
If this goes thru it will accelerate Hollywood's precipitous decline. Thousands laid off. Creatives w/fewer studios willing to bid on projects. Fewer choices of what to watch for consumers. Possibly a death blow for theatrical filmgoing. Just terrible news all around — www…
@carnage4life Dare Obasanjo on bluesky
Netflix will acquire Warner Bros for $82.7B in move that showcases that the Lina Khan era is truly behind us. — It's also the lesser of two evils as the alternative is being acquired by the pro-Trump Ellison family that own Paramount. — David Zaslav's years of terrible leader…
@robertscotthorton Scott Horton on bluesky
Ellison plans to win anyway, by getting Trump to leverage his antitrust powers. www.ft.com/content/6532...
@richterscale Charles Louis Richter on bluesky
Netflix to retroactively cancel The Sopranos after a single season
@jonathancohn Jonathan Cohn on bluesky
Glad it didn't go to Larry Ellison, but media consolidation is still a threat to democracy. — deadline.com/2025/12/netf...
@droog811 Pat Brosseau on bluesky
It's unreal how many times Warner Brothers has been sold in the last few years. This could be a good thing or a bad thing...who knows? And what about DC Comics, where do they fall in all of this? deadline.com/2025/12/netf...
@leafwarbler @leafwarbler on bluesky
Hmm... is this better than the Ellis empire gobbling HBO et al up? I sure hope so, although Netflix hasn't been that great either, but at least so far they haven't been as much in the tank for fascism.
@ernie.tedium.co Ernie Smith on bluesky
Ted Sarandos is many things, but he's ultimately not as stupid as Zaslav. I'm not like bullish on this deal but better them than Ellison I say. — www.thewrap.com/netflix-wins...
@jeffjarvis @jeffjarvis on bluesky
Keep CNN away from the Ellisons, please. [embedded post]
@moleyg George on bluesky
Goodbye theatrical releases, physical media, and auteur swings. Hello monopolies, algorithmic slop, and the furthering of a dumbed down anti-art society.
@badideas Aaron Stewart-Ahn on bluesky
Holy shit. This is like end of a geological era in Hollywood time. Theatrical moviegoing will likely never be the same. HBO series may never be weekly releases again... www.thewrap.com/netflix-wins...
@virtualbri@mastodon.online Brian Tatosky on mastodon
https://variety.com/... Huh. Don't think there was any “good” ending to this sale, just different bad ones. I guess we know what streamer HBO Max will be eaten by. — #Streaming #Movies #WBD #Netflix
@Barredo@mastodon.social Alex Barredo on mastodon
@Techmeme so the future is... Netflix at 60/70 eur per month, including ads
@harrymccracken@mastodon.social Harry McCracken on mastodon
The media business doesn't need any more consolidation, but this might be the least bad of the likely outcomes? (Of course, Warner Bros. is doomed to be sold every few years, so everyone will get their chance.) https://deadline.com/...
r/Roadkillshow r on reddit
Warner/Discovery went through all those cuts including cancelling Roadkill, just to sell to Netflix
r/SmilingFriends r on reddit
Netflix is going to acquire Warner Bros. for $82.7 Billion (Warner Bros. owns Adult Swim/Smiling Friends)
r/HHN r on reddit
Would love to see Trick 'r Treat come back to HHN. Maybe they can make a house based on the upcoming sequel?
r/netflix r on reddit
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Following the Separation of Discovery Global for a Total Enterprise Value of $82.7 Billion (Equity Value of $72.0 Billion)
r/pcgaming r on reddit
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Following the Separation of Discovery Global for a Total Enterprise Value of $82.7 Billion
r/cravetv r on reddit
It's Official: Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. in Deal Valued at $82.7 Billion - what will happen to Crave now?
r/heatedrivalry r on reddit
The Netflix-ification of HBO
r/MauLer r on reddit
Netflix aquires Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO Max.
r/paulthomasanderson r on reddit
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. in $82.7 Billion Deal
r/universalstudios r on reddit
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros (Harry Potter)
r/fionnaandcake r on reddit
Netflix Has Officially Acquired Warner Bros. In Deal Valued at $82.7 Billion
r/MediaMergers r on reddit
IN FULL: Netflix press release on WBD Streaming/Studios assets
r/IATSE r on reddit
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. in $82.7 Billion Deal
r/babylon5 r on reddit
The Dawn of the Third Age of Babylon 5? Netflix acquirers WB
r/TurnerClassicMovies r on reddit
Turning point for entertainment media: streaming service Netflix Wins Bidding War For historic studio Warner Bros
r/iTunesDeals r on reddit
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros
r/iTunesMovieDeals r on reddit
Netflix to Acquire Warner Brothers
r/midcarder r on reddit
Press Release Official: Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Following the Separation of Discovery Global for a Total Enterprise Value of $82.7 Billion (Equity Value of $72.0 Billion)
r/television r on reddit
Netflix's Official Press Release Regarding the WB Sale
r/DCU_ r on reddit
Netflix's official statement: “Netflix expects to maintain Warner Bros.' current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.”.
r/gaming r on reddit
Netflix Has Officially Acquired Warner Bros. In Deal Valued at $82.7 Billion
r/technology r on reddit
Netflix to Buy Warner Bros. and HBO Max in $82.7 Billion Deal
r/Bluray r on reddit
Stock up on your WB blurays now before it's too late!
r/boxoffice r on reddit
Netflix's official statement: “Netflix expects to maintain Warner Bros.' current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.”.
r/movies r on reddit
Netflix officially announces the acquisition of Warner Bros.
r/HBOMAX r on reddit
Netflix to Buy Warner Bros. and HBO Max in $82.7 Billion Deal
r/TheBigPicture r on reddit
Netflix's official statement on buying WB
r/hbo r on reddit
Netflix to Buy Warner Bros. and HBO Max in $82.7 Billion Deal
r/StockMarket r on reddit
Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery's studios, streaming unit for $72 billion
r/HarryPotteronHBO r on reddit
It's official - Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. for a Total Enterprise Value of $82.7 Billion
r/cordcutters r on reddit
Netflix to Buy Warner Bros. and HBO Max in $82.7 Billion Deal
r/wbdstock r on reddit
[Financial Times] Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros studio and streaming business in $83bn deal
r/battlebots r on reddit
Netflix to buy WBD
r/DCcomics r on reddit
Netflix to Buy Warner Bros. and HBO Max in $82.7 Billion Deal
r/youngjustice r on reddit
Netflix Wins Bidding War For Warner Bros. Discovery
r/pilottvpodcast r on reddit
Netflix Wins Bidding War For Warner Bros. Discovery, Will Start Exclusive Deal Talks
r/canadacordcutters r on reddit
Netflix Wins Bidding War For Warner Bros. Discovery, Will Start Exclusive Deal Talks
r/TubiTV r on reddit
Now that Netflix owns WB does that mean they will be pulling some of the free WB movies and shows from Tubi like Looney Tunes, Follow that Bird, Flintstones, and Scooby-Doo?
r/HBOMAX r on reddit
Netflix Wins Bidding War For Warner Bros. Discovery

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WBD confirms that Warner Bros. Games will be acquired by Netflix along with its wider streaming and television business

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