The overhaul of Warner Bros. continues as restructuring plans are being enacted at its gaming division, which is now being split into four franchise-based departments. Last week it was announced that Warner Bros. Discovery would be split into two entities, a Streaming and Studios company that includes Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, Legendary, HBO, and HBO Max properties while the other will be a Global Networks offshoot primarily comprising of its news, sports and other premiere entertainment that includes CNN, Bleacher Report (B/R), TNT Sports, Discovery and Discovery+, and free-to-air channels in Europe.
“By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape.”
David Zaslav – Warner Bros. Discover President and CEO
Warner Bros. Games is the next to hit the chopping block as it is being cut into four divisions: Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC Universe divisions. This news comes via Variety, which shared the following details. Warner Bros Games Montréal studio head Yves Lachance has been promoted to senior vice president and will oversee the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones departments, while NetherRealm studio lead Shaun Himmerick, who was also promoted to senior vice president, will oversee the Mortal Kombat and DC Universe divisions. Meanwhile, another Steven Flenory was promoted to senior vice president as well to head its technology, publishing, QA, and user research departments. All three will serve under J.B. Perrette, who is the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery’s global games and streaming.
“Our company is home to some of the biggest franchises in the world, and we are optimizing our team structure to develop long-term franchise roadmaps to delight players and fans of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat and DC games”
J.B. Perrette – Warner Bros Discovery CEO of global streaming and games
The split of Warner Bros. Discovery into its Global Networks/Streaming and Studios companies is expected to happen by mid-2026, while it sounds as if the changes for Warner Bros. Games are more immediate. These changes follow the exit of former Warner Bros.Games head, David Haddad, who left earlier this year in January. Time will tell if other changes are in store for its gaming division, which has had its share of ups and downs in recent years following lackluster releases and cancelled projects for its DC Universe, multiple studio closures, while fans anxiously await the sequel to the successful Hogwarts Legacy game and it has previously been reported that a new single-player Batman game is in development.
“We are very fortunate to have a strong stable of development and technology talent, and Yves, Shaun and Steven are respected leaders with excellent track records in their areas of expertise. I’m looking forward to working closely with them and the team as we work to make the best games possible for our key franchises.”
J.B. Perrette – Warner Bros Discovery CEO of global streaming and games