Warner Bros. is setting its sights on a major gaming comeback, with hints pointing to the release of Hogwarts Legacy 2 and a new Batman title by 2028. This strategic shift comes as the company navigates financial challenges and potential corporate changes, including a possible sale to Netflix or Paramount.
Gaming Division Reset and Future Plans
In a recent interview with Variety, JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games at Warner Bros., described 2025 as a "year of reset" for the gaming division. He acknowledged that the company had been "distracted going after too many IPs with too broad a set of studios," leading to underperformance and studio closures.
Despite the success of Hogwarts Legacy in 2023, Warner Bros. has struggled to replicate that hit in recent years. The cancellation of the Wonder Woman game and the shuttering of multiple studios have compounded these issues, casting doubt on the future of its gaming projects.
Focus on Biggest Franchises
Perrette emphasized that "real fruits" of this reset will emerge in 2027 and 2028, with a return to "some of our biggest franchises." This statement strongly implies that Hogwarts Legacy 2 is in development, likely timed to coincide with the upcoming Harry Potter TV show set to air next year.
Additionally, a new Batman game is speculated, given the character's enduring popularity in the DC Comics universe. Rocksteady, the studio behind the Arkham series, is rumored to be working on a Batman-related project following the disappointing reception of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League.
Other Franchises in Question
While Harry Potter and Batman are clear priorities, the status of other major IPs remains uncertain. Game Of Thrones has primarily seen mobile game releases, with the upcoming War For Westeros PC strategy game handled externally. Mortal Kombat may take a backseat after Mortal Kombat 1's sales fell short of expectations, leading to scaled-back DLC plans.
NetherRealm Studios has shifted focus to its next project, potentially Injustice 3, which might require a reboot to align with James Gunn's cinematic universe. This could involve more traditional character interpretations, moving away from the darker themes of previous games.
Corporate Uncertainty and Impact
The entire Warner Bros. company faces an uncertain future, with talks of a sale to Netflix or Paramount potentially jeopardizing all gaming initiatives. This backdrop makes Perrette's comments on strategic focus even more critical, as the gaming division seeks to stabilize and deliver high-profile releases.
As Warner Bros. aims to reclaim its footing in the gaming industry, fans and analysts will be watching closely for official announcements regarding Hogwarts Legacy 2 and the next Batman adventure, expected to define the company's gaming output in the coming years.
