Netflix mulled buying EA before Warner Bros. acquisition, as it grows AAA games library

The potential Netflix $82 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. could boost the streaming giant’s AAA gaming portfolio. WB Games has produced titles for lucrative movie and TV franchises like Harry Potter and Batman. However, according to a paywalled Bloomberg report, it previously expressed interest in EA.

The Lucas Shaw Bloomberg article reveals that Netflix considered bidding for “every major asset put up for sale, including Electronic Arts Inc. and Fox.” Although it seems less likely, the company even contemplated a Disney takeover. However, executives balked at paying too much for stocks that were previously available at lower prices. The report doesn’t specify when Electronic Arts first appeared on Netflix’s radar.

Would gamers have benefited from a Netflix EA deal?

In September, a group that includes Saudi Arabian investors proposed an Electronic Arts buyout. The development raised concerns about the publisher’s future. Analysts have predicted cost-cutting that could involve job losses and more reliance on generative AI. With the latest news, gamers are now debating whether Netflix would have been a preferable suitor.  

To this point, the offering of Netflix games has been viewed as lackluster by critics. Most titles are basic mobile-quality experiences that don’t cater to dedicated gamers. The recent addition of Red Dead Redemption attracted attention, but may not lure players away from the PS5, Xbox, or Switch 2.

The Warner Bros. Games lineup would align with the streamer’s TV and movie prowess. It’s easier to see how it could tie in upcoming projects like the Hogwarts Legacy sequel to existing content. On the other hand, with EA, agreements to make Lord of the Rings or Star Wars titles have often come and gone. The publisher’s most profitable releases are sports franchises led by EA Sports FC and Madden NFL.

Regardless of how the subscription service evolves, not all followers believe it can effectively manage AAA games. In 2024, Netflix decided to shutter Team Blue, which had talent that worked on Halo, God of War, and other major titles. The move foreshadowed a focus on lower-budget smartphone endeavors. The potential Netflix Warner Bros. acquisition and curiosity with EA suggest it still lacks a clear direction.