Warner Bros. to Acquire Machinima

BURBANK: Machinima is set to become part of the recently founded Warner Bros. Digital Networks group following the studio’s announcement that it’s taking full ownership of the global programming service focused on fandom and gamer culture.

Warner Bros. first invested in Machinima, the tenth largest digital video entertainment media company in the U.S. in terms of total unique viewers, in 2014. Machinima reaches nearly 150 million viewers each month.

“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,” said Craig Hunegs, president of business and strategy at Warner Bros. Television Group and president of Warner Bros. Digital Networks, which was founded this summer. “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.”

“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,” said Chad Gutstein, CEO of 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.”