Back in June, we reported that AT&T was exploring a sale of WarnerMedia’s video game unit, Warner Bros. Interactive, in a potential deal worth $4 billion. That may no longer be the case.
In a WarnerMedia organization update sent out Friday, CEO Jason Kilar confirmed that Warner Bros. Interactive remains part of the company’s Studios and Networks group under Pam Lifford’s (president of global brands and experiences) supervision. This doesn’t prove that AT&T is no longer interested in selling off its game division, but the fact that WarnerMedia isn’t restructuring it in any way is surprising, especially in light of acquisition rumors.
“The Warner Bros. Motion Pictures Group continues to be led by Chairman Toby Emmerich,” the press release reads. “Warner Bros. Television Studios group continues to be led by Chairman Peter Roth. Warner Bros. Interactive remains part of the Studios and Networks group, along with our Global Brands and Franchises team including DC led by Pam Lifford, and our Kids, Young Adults and Classics business led by Tom Ascheim, all focused on engaging fans with our brands and franchises through games and other interactive experiences.”
The news comes as part of a major restructuring effort by WarnerMedia, in which HBO Max will be elevated and given priority. Apparently, the company is placing most of its bets into the new streaming service, having created an entirely new operating business unit for it.