In a shocking turn of events, Warner Bros. has shut down three of its studios, including Monolith Productions, and canceled the much-anticipated Wonder Woman game. This move has left fans of the innovative Nemesis System lamenting its ‘wasted potential.’ Originally introduced in Monolith’s acclaimed 2014 title, *Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor*, the Nemesis System provided a groundbreaking mechanism whereby procedurally generated enemies remembered and reacted to players’ actions, creating a unique narrative experience for each playthrough. The Nemesis System received further enhancements with the release of 2017’s *Shadow of War*, promising an even more immersive storytelling journey. Anticipation was high for its incorporation into the canceled Wonder Woman game, announced in 2021, set to offer an original story in a dynamic, open-world DC Universe. Despite securing a patent for this innovative technology in 2021, Warner Bros. has restricted other developers from utilizing similar systems, effectively preventing widespread adoption of similar mechanics within the gaming industry. The patent, which remains in effect until 2036, ensures that no other studio can replicate Monolith’s unique NPC and social network dynamics unless licensed by Warner Bros. The closure of Monolith means only two titles have harnessed the full potential of the Nemesis System, sparking frustrations amongst gaming enthusiasts. Social media platforms are abuzz with criticism, with fans questioning Warner Bros.’ decisions and expressing hopes that the talented individuals affected find new homes in the industry. As the gaming world grapples with these developments, the broader trend of studio closures and job losses continues to plague the industry, highlighting a challenging era for developers and fans alike. Warner Bros.’ strategic shift underscores a commitment to optimizing its key franchises, but at what cost to innovation and creativity remains to be seen.