Warner Bros. Cancels Ambitious Kart Racer Project
Warner Bros. Games was reportedly developing a racing game reminiscent of Mario Kart, featuring beloved characters from its extensive intellectual property library, including Adventure Time and Tom and Jerry. However, the project, codenamed “Moonlight,” was never officially announced and has now been shelved following the closure of the studio responsible for its development. This decision comes amid significant financial losses for Warner Bros. gaming division.
Unveiling Project Moonlight
The details surrounding the unannounced kart racer emerged from Colin Moriarty’s Sacred Symbols podcast, where he shared insights from a former employee of Warner Bros. San Diego. The game, which was in development at the studio, was said to have undergone multiple transformations, initially envisioned as a free-to-play title for various platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. As development progressed, plans shifted towards a paid PC-only release, ultimately leaving console versions on hold.
According to Moriarty, the game was heavily inspired by the iconic Mario Kart series and featured a roster of Warner Bros. characters. The gameplay was described as a “drift racer” utilizing Unreal Engine 5, showcasing stylized graphics and precise vehicle control. The project was reportedly greenlit during the pandemic, with over 100 developers working on it before the studio’s closure.
Development Challenges and Internal Strife
Despite the ambitious vision for Project Moonlight, the development faced significant hurdles. The source revealed that the project lacked a clear direction and coherent approach, leading to frustration among the team. As the game evolved, it transitioned from an online-only format to a more traditional paid model, which contributed to the internal discord. Staff members expressed resentment over the success of Player First Games, another Warner Bros. studio that successfully launched MultiVersus, while their own project remained unreleased.
The turmoil within the studio intensified as the development cycle progressed, with reports of animosity among staff members. The game was intended to be released via Steam Early Access, but as the project unraveled, it became clear that it would not see the light of day.
Warner Bros. Gaming Division Faces Major Cuts
Last month, Warner Bros. Games announced the closure of WB San Diego, Player First Games, and Monolith Productions, following a staggering $300 million loss in 2024. This financial setback prompted the company to reevaluate its gaming strategy, focusing on its more prominent franchises such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Batman. In addition to Project Moonlight, the studio also canceled the in-development Wonder Woman game, signaling a significant shift in Warner Bros.’ approach to its gaming portfolio. The cancellation of Project Moonlight highlights the challenges faced by the gaming division as it navigates a rapidly changing industry landscape. As Warner Bros. seeks to streamline its operations, the fate of other potential projects remains uncertain.
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