Warner Bros Discovery executive JB Perrette recently discussed the company’s strategy at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference, highlighting a shift towards free-to-play and live service games to mitigate the volatility seen in big-budget releases.

The past year has been tumultuous for Warner, experiencing highs with the success of Hogwarts Legacy but facing challenges with the underperformance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. This led to a reevaluation of long-term strategies.

Perrette emphasized a holistic approach centered around Warner’s core franchises—Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and DC—with a focus on expanding into mobile and multi-platform free-to-play spaces. 
The company plans to launch several free-to-play mobile games later this year.

Despite concerns about the live-service model, Warner intends to incorporate it into its strategy, envisioning ongoing experiences within its major franchises. With ownership of these billion-dollar franchises and 11 internal development studios, Warner aims to create consistent, engaging experiences to nurture fan bases and explore new revenue streams.

While such statements may not resonate with all gamers, they align with Warner’s financial goals and industry trends. Warner’s focus on monetization reflects broader shifts in the gaming industry towards sustainable revenue models.

This approach echoes sentiments expressed by Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav in 2023, indicating a strategic shift towards always-on gameplay experiences and multi-platform engagement.

In summary, Warner Bros’ strategy emphasizes adapting to industry changes, fostering ongoing player engagement, and exploring new avenues for revenue generation.