In June, to CNBC reported that telecommunications giant AT&T is considering selling its Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment gaming division for about $4 billion. At the time, parties reportedly interested in in purchasing WBIE included Take-Two Interactive Software, Electronic Arts and Activision Blizzard.
According to a new information published by The Information, Microsoft has now joined that list. “Two people familiar with the situation” claim that the acquisition will allow Microsoft to “expand the game-making capabilities of its Xbox group.”
If the deal does take place eventually, it will not include the licenses major WBIE’s games are based on. WBIE owns the Mortal Kombat and the Scribblenauts series. But it does not own the Harry Potter license, nor does it own the DC Comics IP used in the Batman Arkham and Injustice titles. In these instances, the IP holders might not approve a transfer of their licenses from Warner Bros. following the sale. It’s possible, according to CNBC, that a deal might involve a commercial licensing agreement where AT&T can continue to get revenue from its IP.
In any case, none of the parties mentioned in the media have confirmed their interest in the WBIE deal.