Warner Bros is reevaluating its gaming strategy, aiming to pivot towards free-to-play and live service games in response to the unpredictability of big-budget releases, as highlighted by recent disappointments such as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

JB Perrette, an executive at Warner Bros Discovery, outlined this shift in focus during the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference. He acknowledged the volatility of relying solely on AAA console titles, citing the highs of successes like Hogwarts Legacy and the lows of underperforming titles like Suicide Squad.

To mitigate this volatility, Warner Bros plans to take a more comprehensive approach to its core franchises, which include Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and DC. This involves expanding into the mobile and multi-platform free-to-play space, offering a more consistent revenue stream. Additionally, the company intends to explore the live service model, allowing players to engage with their favorite franchises continuously.

While this strategy may not resonate with all gamers, Perrette emphasized the importance of financial sustainability in today’s gaming landscape. Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav had previously expressed similar sentiments, highlighting the shift towards “always-on gameplay” and broader platform engagement.

Ultimately, Warner Bros aims to leverage its major franchises and internal development studios to create long-term, sustainable revenue streams while providing fans with ongoing interactive experiences.