Before entering talks with Warner Bros., Netflix had explored acquiring EA as well as two other studios — Fox and Disney.
Bloomberg reports that Netflix’s leadership discussed those potential deals but failed to reach agreement, fearing such moves could damage their reputation with investors.
The proposed transactions involving Warner Bros. and EA remain uncertain and would need regulatory approval. If EA were sold, the Saudi Public Investment Fund would gain control of the company. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren have voiced concerns about possible “foreign influence” over EA. Last month, EA said it would retain creative control.
Buying Warner Bros. would place franchises like Mortal Kombat, Batman and Harry Potter under Netflix’s stewardship. Netflix had previously been active in gaming, but in 2024 it canceled development of an AAA shooter led by veterans from Halo and Destiny, and in October it closed Boss Fight, the studio behind Squid Game: Unleashed.
Source: iXBT.games