Mergers and Acquisitions
Ongoing coverage on Mergers and Acquisitions.
Latest coverage
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.
Charlie Brown now works for Sony
Sony Music Entertainment Japan and Sony Pictures Entertainment have finalized their acquisition of 80 percent of the Peanuts franchise for $460 million. This deal consolidates the beloved comic strip universe, created by Charles M. Schulz, as a subsidiary of Sony, with the remaining 41 percent acquired from WildBrain.
A Year-By-Year Breakdown Of Phil Spencer's Mixed Legacy As Xbox Boss
This analysis breaks down Phil Spencer's tenure as Xbox boss from 2014 to 2026, highlighting both successes like backward compatibility and the launch of Xbox Game Pass, and failures such as studio closures, game cancellations, and price hikes. The article details major events year-by-year, concluding with Spencer's retirement and the challenges facing Xbox under new leadership.
The Game Awards 2025 - All Winners and Announcements - NintendoFuse
The Game Awards 2025, hosted by Geoff Keighley, celebrated the best of video games with numerous awards and announcements. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was a major winner, taking home Game of the Year and several other accolades. The event also featured trailers and reveals for upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, and Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic.
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.
Paramount Could Own All These Warner Bros. Game Studios Soon
Paramount is reportedly in talks to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's gaming assets, potentially gaining control of major studios like Avalanche Software, NetherRealm Studios, and Rocksteady Studios. This move could significantly expand Paramount's presence in the video game industry, which it has already touched upon with the upcoming Call of Duty movie.
The Warner Bros. acquisition: a timeline of events so far
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has been the subject of a bidding war between Paramount Skydance (PSKY) and Netflix, with PSKY ultimately acquiring the company for $31 per share in an all-cash deal. The acquisition process involved multiple revised offers, legal challenges, and negotiations, with WBD's board eventually deeming PSKY's proposal superior to Netflix's. The deal includes WBD's film studio, streaming businesses, and games division, but excludes its Global Networks.
It looks like Netflix won't be acquiring Warner Bros. Games after all
Netflix has declined to revise its acquisition offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, stating the deal is no longer financially attractive at the price required to match Paramount Skydance's superior proposal. The potential merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery still requires regulatory approval, leaving the future of Warner Bros. Games uncertain amidst recent studio closures and restructuring.
Netflix's $82.7 billion deal to buy Warner has been dramatically gazumped by Paramount, to the tune of $111 billion
Paramount Skydance has submitted a $111 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, significantly outbidding Netflix's previous $82.7 billion proposal. The deal, which includes Warner's gaming studios like Rocksteady and Avalanche, is facing regulatory scrutiny. The impact on Warner's gaming division remains uncertain.
Netflix backs out of Warner Bros deal, declines to match Paramount Skydance's raised offer
Netflix has withdrawn its offer to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, declining to match Paramount Skydance's increased offer of $31 per share. Netflix stated that the price required was no longer financially attractive, emphasizing that the deal was a 'nice to have' rather than a 'must have'. Paramount will pay WBD the termination fee owed to Netflix.
Games Inbox: Is Resident Evil Requiem worth getting?
Readers discuss the merits of Resident Evil Requiem, with some hoping it recaptures the spirit of earlier titles like Resident Evil 4. Other topics include speculation about a new Pokémon announcement, Sony's strategy regarding PC exclusives, and the financial implications of Paramount's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. gaming assets.
Splash Damage acquires Scum developer Gamepires from Jagex
UK co-development studio Splash Damage has acquired Croatian developer Gamepires, the studio behind the open-world survival title Scum, from Jagex. The deal, backed by Emona Capital, merges the two entities into Splash Damage Group, which will operate independently. The new group plans to focus on premium development, co-development partnerships, scaling the Scum franchise, and investing in new intellectual property.
Splash Damage acquires Scum dev Gamepires from Jagex
Splash Damage has acquired Scum developer Gamepires from Jagex, with financial backing from Emona Capital. The combined entity will leverage Splash Damage's shooter expertise and Gamepires' survival game strengths to expand the Scum franchise and develop new intellectual property. Ben Hopkinson, formerly CFO of Splash Damage, will lead the new company as CEO.
Why Do Game Console Prices Keep Going Up?
The ongoing global chip shortage, exacerbated by the massive demand for AI data centers, is driving up prices for gaming consoles and PC components. This situation is leading to longer console generations, potential consolidation in the PC building market, and a shift towards cloud gaming as a more accessible option for consumers. While the shortage presents challenges, it could also lead to developers focusing more on optimizing games for existing hardware, potentially resulting in better-designed and more accessible gaming experiences in the long run.
Scopely acquires majority stake in Pixel Flow developer Loom Games
Scopely has acquired a majority stake in Loom Games, the Istanbul-based developer behind the mobile title Pixel Flow. Pixel Flow has achieved over ten million players worldwide since its launch last year. This partnership aims to allow Loom Games to maintain creative autonomy while benefiting from Scopely's expertise.
Scopely acquires majority stake in Pixel Flow! developer Loom Games
Scopely has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Loom Games, the developer behind the successful mobile title Pixel Flow!, for an undisclosed sum valuing the studio at over $1 billion. This acquisition aims to expand Scopely's portfolio and its presence in the EMEA region, while Loom Games will maintain creative autonomy.
Why Hiro is bullish on UK and EU game dev funding after helping The Chinese Room and Bulkhead go independent
Hiro Capital, through its new advisory division, is bullish on the UK and EU game development funding landscape, seeing a rise in independent studios formed by experienced teams. The firm has already assisted The Chinese Room and Bulkhead Interactive in regaining independence from larger corporations. Factors like regulatory limitations on US investment for Asian companies and the availability of talent exiting larger firms contribute to Europe's attractiveness for game dev investment.
ByteDance reportedly in "advanced talks" to sell Mobile Legends dev Moonton Technology to Savvy Games for over $6bn
ByteDance is reportedly in advanced negotiations to sell its mobile game developer Moonton Technology, known for Mobile Legends, to Savvy Games Group for over $6 billion. The deal, which could close this quarter, would signify ByteDance's significant withdrawal from the online gaming sector. Savvy Games Group, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has existing investments in several major gaming companies.
Can Build A Rocket Boy save itself?
Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) is facing multiple crises, including allegations of installing surveillance software on employee PCs without consent and accusations of a coordinated campaign to damage its reputation. The studio's game, MindsEye, launched to dismal reviews and low player counts, leading to significant layoffs and internal turmoil. Co-CEOs Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies are at the center of these issues, with former employees expressing concerns about leadership, vision, and company culture.
Electronic Arts Sold in $55 Billion Deal to PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners - New Game Network
Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed a $55 billion all-cash acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The deal, expected to close in early fiscal year 2027, will take EA private, with shareholders receiving $210 per share. Andrew Wilson will continue as Chairman and CEO, with the investors planning significant expansion and innovation for the publisher.
