Microsoft Interested In Buying Batman, Mortal Kombat Dev WB Games – Report

Last month, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s (WB Games) parent company, AT&T, announced intentions to sell off WarnerMedia’s gaming division. A new report suggests that Microsoft has expressed interest in purchasing WB Games, though a sale has yet to be confirmed.

According to business news publication The Information, “two people familiar with the situation” said Microsoft might be looking to scoop up WB Games, the studio responsible for publishing games like Batman: Arkham Knight, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Mortal Kombat 11, and others. A sale isn’t imminent, according to the people, as AT&T is still weighing how to handle its $154 billion in debt. This debt comes from the 2018 acquisition of Time Warner, now known as WarnerMedia, which includes companies like Crunchyroll, DC Comics, HBO, WB Games, and a host of other subsidies.

Microsoft isn’t the only company that finds buying WB Games an enticing proposition; Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Take-Two Interactive have also seemingly expressed their interest in the company. Though it’s unclear how serious AT&T is about selling WB Games, the sale could fetch a hefty $4 billion price tag.

Some of WB Games’ IP, such as Mortal Kombat, might be included in the deal. However, the rights to other IP, like Batman, almost certainly would not be, but a licensing agreement could allow for further development within WB Games’ franchises, including the Batman: Arkham and Lord of the Rings series.

Recently, it was reported that WB Games is allegedly working on an open-world Harry Potter game. Specific details are sparse, but it’s rumored to be in development for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. A supposed reveal is said to take place sometime after August this year. Meanwhile, WB Games subsidiary Rocksteady Studios, the developer behind Arkham Knight, is reportedly creating a Suicide Squad game.

Later this month, Microsoft will host another Xbox 20/20 livestream. On July 23 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET, Microsoft will show off a bevy of Xbox One and Xbox Series X games. The livestream will feature reveals of upcoming first-party games like Halo Infinite, the possible unveiling of the rumored all-digital next-generation Xbox, and more.