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Back in June, reports surfaced that AT&T was putting WBR up for sale, a substantial change given the studio's prominent portfolio. CNBC cited unnamed sources indicating possible bidders, including giants like Take-Two Interactive, Electronic Arts (EA), and Activision Blizzard. The asking price was around $4 billion, although some sources suggested it could be closer to $2 billion, reflecting the division's financial struggles, as it only sporadically turns a profit and does not own some of its most valuable franchises outright.
This sale marks a notable reversal of a decades-long trend where Hollywood studios sought their own gaming assets. Many large companies are now retreating from game development, making this an unusual and potentially game-changing event.