Nothing says “we value innovation” quite like firing the innovators while locking their creations in a corporate vault. That’s exactly what Warner Bros has done by shuttering Monolith Productions while keeping their revolutionary Nemesis System trapped behind a patent until 2036.

Innovation locked away, creators shown the door. | Image Credit: Monolith Productions

But here’s the real kicker—while WB is perfectly happy to throw 131 talented developers into the job market during an industry-wide contraction, they’re keeping a death grip on Monolith’s crown jewel. The revolutionary Nemesis System, arguably one of gaming’s most innovative mechanics of the last decade, will remain locked behind WB’s patent until 2036.

It’s the corporate equivalent of taking your ball and going home, except in this case, the “ball” is a groundbreaking game mechanic that could push the entire industry forward. And WB isn’t even playing with it—they’re...