Netflix makes it clear that Warner Bros. Games “does not add value” in its purchase offer

Netflix stands firm: Warner Bros. Games "does not add value" in the Warner negotiation.

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The business movement surrounding Warner has been generating unease for weeks, but what has been revealed in recent hours is even more striking. In the midst of a multi-million dollar acquisition process, one of the entertainment giants has explained that part of the package was not even considered in the initial valuation. A decision that surprises given the commercial history that accompanies some of the projects involved.

The statement comes directly from the direction of the company interested in the acquisition, and suggests a very distant attitude towards the role of video games within the future of the conglomerate. A message that has set off alarm bells among studios, employees, and fans of several well-known franchises.

Netflix does not value Warner Bros.’ gaming division

During a call with investors, Gregory Peters, Netflix’s co-CEO, stated that the company “did not attribute any value” to Warner Bros. Games within its $83 billion offer. According to his words, the gaming area is “relatively minor in the grand scheme” of the business, which is why it did not influence the final figure presented.

The comment clashes with the recent results of the division itself. Hogwarts Legacy was the best-selling game of 2023 in the United States, even surpassing Call of Duty and reaching over 34 million units sold in its first year. Adding to this are franchises with enormous weight like Batman Arkham, Mortal Kombat, or LEGO games, which have historically moved enviable figures. Despite all this, Netflix has decided not to take into account this economic performance.

A situation that has been brewing

The situation worsens when recalling that the platform has been trying to find its place in the video game sector for years, a path marked by canceled projects, changes in direction, and a total withdrawal from the mobile market. This history explains why they now face the acquisition with such a limited view, but it also reveals a lack of vision regarding the real potential of the licenses involved.

Peters commented that they see opportunities thanks to names like Harry Potter or Batman, but made it clear that any use would be aligned with what the company already develops: casual games and mobile-focused games. This leaves the future of studios with decades of experience and franchises that, for years, set the standard for the sector up in the air.

The reading within the sector is evident. If no value is assigned to franchises like Arkham, LEGO, or Mortal Kombat, it’s hard to expect a boost for large-scale projects or the return of sagas like Shadow of Mordor or F.E.A.R. For many, it’s a worrying sign of the role Warner developers might play if the acquisition goes forward under these terms.