In early July, news site The Information broke the story that Microsoft are interested in acquiring WB Interactive. Owners AT&T are looking to offload the developer to pay down their massive $154 billion debt. Alongside Microsoft as potential suitors were also Take Two, Activision Blizzard, and EA. However, during a round of investor questions at EA’s earnings reveal, investors asked COO Blake Jorgensen about the potential of EA acquiring WB Games. Whilst he didn’t mention Warner Brothers specifically, he stated his desire to buy more studios.
“I can’t comment on any specific acquisition other than what I will tell you as we said you’ve seen in the past where we’ve done the best is where we have long-term relationships with people, and we’re really trying to buy great talent versus games.”
It seems like only a matter of time before one of these companies buys Warner Brothers Interactive. What is uncertain is what will happen to the developers or individual properties? The Arkham, Shadow of Mordor, and Mortal Kombat franchises could all potentially be part of a deal. With a decent-sized list of massively popular franchises, there’s bound to be some fierce competition between companies. EA seems to be in the driving seat though, so we could see an EA published Arkham game soon. Only time will tell.
