Cartoon Network has brought some of the most popular and memorable animated series in the last two decades. Though it is a pop-cultural icon, recent corporate events have cast much uncertainty on the network's future. Although it is unclear whether the beloved cartoon characters will find a future in animation, they may be able to continue to live on through gaming. This doesn't require expensive production, as the studio has previously demonstrated that its characters are compelling enough on their own to make even the simplest games engaging.

Going the gaming route would be efficient, as Cartoon Network already has a foundation to start working off. WarnerBros. Discovery hasn't officially shuttered Cartoon Network, and the animation network has sent out a Tweet attempting to calm concerned fans. Nevertheless, many fans have analyzed WarnerBros. Discovery's recent actions and come up with grim predictions.

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Cartoon Network's Grim Future

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Cartoon Network formed an essential part of many people's childhoods thanks to its roster of memorable cartoons. Though the network has gone through different eras with varying levels of quality, it has managed to maintain a connection with children through franchises like Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Dexter's Laboratory, to name a few. Unfortunately, due to new corporate deals, Cartoon Network's future hangs in the balance.

The merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. which was completed in 2022, has had cascading effects on the entertainment world. It appears the new entertainment conglomerate places less value on animation and cartoons, as following the merger, there were company-wide reorganizations that led to the shutdown of the Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults, and Classics studio. It was also reported that WarnerBros. Discovery laid off around 26% of its employees, mainly from the scripted, unscripted, and animation divisions. This has led to many worrying that Cartoon Network's future may be in jeopardy. Although the network has denied these allegations to calm fans, the future does not look bright.

Cartoon Network and Gaming

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Cartoon Network has always had one foot in gaming, and this could become the key to its longevity. During the early days of the internet, the network entertained its viewers by inviting them to play various Cartoon Network flash games online. None of them were particularly complex, but they featured popular characters and contained addictive gameplay. Many of them have since been removed, though there are plenty of lessons that can be learned from them.

Although Cartoon Network does offer mobile games through Cartoon Network Games, its efforts on this front could use more marketing and support. This could be especially effective in letting older fans know that they can experience the fun of older Cartoon Network flash games on their phones today. It would also be worthwhile to feature more games centered on some of the network's older franchises. Nostalgia has always been a big draw for consumers, and many fans would love to see beloved characters like Johnny Bravo and Ed, Edd, and Eddy live on through gaming.

Cartoon Network's current roster of cartoons features popular hits like Craig of the Creek and Teens Titans Go!, and they could flourish in the gaming world just as well as they do in television. While it may not be time to declare the network's funeral, it is likely that its future will feature significant change following the WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. merger. If the network plays its cards right, it does not need to spell the death of its most popular characters, as the gaming community would be more than happy to accommodate them.

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