Warner Bros. to Buy Machinima

Warner Bros. will acquire Machinima, the global programming service focused on fandom and gamer culture.

April 6, 2018

Programming service will become part of the studio’s Digital Networks division founded earlier this year.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Machinima will become part of the new Warner Bros. Digital Networks, a division founded in June 2016 to grow the studio’s digital and OTT offerings.

Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Machinima is a strong gamer and fandom content and social brand with enormous reach and high engagement with audiences that play our games and are big fans of DC films and television shows,” says Craig Hunegs, president, business and strategy, Warner Bros. Television Group, and president, Warner Bros. Digital Networks. “Machinima also produces great, high-quality content for their community, and together we can create an even more compelling experience and do some really exciting things involving our key franchises. This acquisition is another meaningful move forward as Warner Bros. develops more direct relationships with our consumers.”

In the past two

years, Machinima has transitioned from a YouTube MCN to a global programming service and production company. During this time, the company opened a full-service production studio and executed content partnerships with platforms including PlayStation Vue, Amazon Prime, Verizon’s Go90, China’s Sohu and The CW Network. The company has also partnered with Cartoon Network for an "Adventure Time" game tournament as well as Hasbro for a re-imagined "Transformers" series, among other brands.

Warner Bros. was already an investor in the company prior to the acquisition announcement.

“Since making their first investment in Machinima in 2014, Warner Bros. has been an active business partner in our transformation, so we already have proof points as to how the companies can work together to accelerate Machinima’s growth plans,” says Chad Gutstein, chief executive officer, Machinima. “We’ll now be able to take full advantage of Warner Bros.’ intellectual property, sales and distribution, while still creating content for social and premium digital platforms that gamers and geeks love. Plus, we’ll be fully embedded and can help Warner Bros. continue their incredible digital marketing successes. It’s honestly a win-win.”