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Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick named to the board of post-merger Skydance
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has been appointed to the board of directors for the newly formed Skydance company, which resulted from the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Skydance's media conglomerate includes a video game division that will merge Paramount Games Studio with WB's internal developers. Despite past controversies surrounding Activision Blizzard, Skydance chairman David Ellison praised Kotick's leadership and ability to build enduring franchises.
GamesIndustry.biz to host panel at Game Republic's Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con October 2026
GamesIndustry.biz will host an Investment Panel at Game Republic's Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con, featuring discussions on game funding, development, and building sustainable studios. Separately, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have completed their $111 billion merger, now operating under the name Skydance, with potential for "difficult decisions" and "changes and impacts" as the new entity integrates.
Thief designer says that the immersive sim audience is too small for AAA games: 'There's quite a few of us who…
Designer Randy Smith Evergreen, known for his work on Thief and System Shock 2, argues that the immersive sim genre is too small for AAA development. He believes that the increasing budgets and scope required for AAA games are misaligned with the niche audience for immersive sims, leading to commercial disappointments like Arkane's Dishonored 2 and Prey. Evergreen suggests that a more viable path for immersive sims is through smaller, AA or indie budgets, citing the original Thief's modest budget as a successful model.
Blink and you'll miss it: Paramount almost acknowledges the existence of Warner Bros. Games
Paramount Skydance's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes Warner Bros. Games, is moving forward after Netflix withdrew from the bidding war. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2026, though Paramount's executive team has largely overlooked the gaming division, mentioning it only briefly as part of "cutting-edge gaming and interactive content capabilities." CEO David Ellison stated that no divestitures of non-core assets are currently planned.
Netflix boss says Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros will result in "cuts in excess of $16 billion" within "18 months or so"
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandon stated that Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. will lead to significant cost-cutting exceeding $16 billion within approximately 18 months. This suggests that Warner Bros. Games studios, including TT Games and Rocksteady, will face scrutiny for cost-saving measures. Netflix withdrew its bid for Warner Bros. after Paramount increased its offer, securing a substantial breakup fee.
