The Importance of Collaboration
Warner Bros. Discovery's gaming boss, JB Perrette, recently discussed the company's approach to future games, highlighting the significance of a closer relationship between the film and gaming divisions. In an interview with Variety, Perrette acknowledged the historical lack of synergy between the studio and the games business, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach.
'Frankly, there hasn't been as close a relationship between the studio and the games business as there should have been. And James is actually a gamer, so having someone who's passionate about it is super helpful,' Perrette stated, underscoring the value of having gaming enthusiasts involved in the creative process.
Perrette revealed that Warner Bros. Games is now actively collaborating with key figures, including James Gunn and Safran, to enhance the gaming experience within the DC Universe. This shift towards closer collaboration between the film and gaming divisions signals a new era for Warner Bros. Discovery's gaming strategy.
Strategic Game Development
Perrette emphasized that Warner Bros. Games is focused on developing games that align with a strategic vision, rather than releasing tie-in games for the sake of obligation. He stated, 'While they're working on a Superman movie title, we're not going to launch a Superman game purely because we feel obligated. We have to do something that makes sense for the gaming strategy and for fans and for the consumer.' This commitment to strategic game development reflects the company's dedication to delivering compelling gaming experiences.
The collaboration with James Gunn, a renowned gamer and co-writer of Lollipop Chainsaw, underscores the company's intent to leverage gaming expertise in the creation of new titles. With upcoming releases such as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, a Wonder Woman title, and The Wolf Among Us 2, Warner Bros. Games aims to build a portfolio of engaging games that resonate with fans and contribute to the long-term success of the gaming division.
Following the success of Hogwarts Legacy, which achieved record-breaking sales in 2023, Perrette expressed the company's ambition to achieve consistent success in the gaming industry. He stated, 'We want it to be 'always on.' And the good news is the gaming space is lending itself to that,' highlighting the potential for sustained growth and innovation in the gaming market.
Future Integration with Streaming Service
In addition to discussing the gaming division's future outlook, Perrette teased potential integration between Warner Bros. Games and the company's streaming service, Max. While acknowledging the evolving landscape of video game streaming, Perrette hinted at the possibility of connecting Max with gaming experiences in the future.
He mentioned, 'We have ideas for how our games and Max could connect someday.' This hint at future integration suggests that Warner Bros. Discovery is exploring innovative ways to enhance the entertainment offerings available through its streaming platform. While emphasizing a focus on improving the core aspects of Max, Perrette hinted that the expansion of Max with gaming content could be a consideration for the future, aligning with the evolving trends in the entertainment industry.