It doesn’t quite pack the same kind of punch as the mergers and acquisitions we saw last week (Zenimax/id Software, Mythic/BioWare), but it turns out that Warner Bros. has been cleared to purchase famed publisher Midway for the previously submitted bid of $33 million, the Chicago Tribune reports.

In the end, Warner Bros.’ bid was the only one Midway received, which is a bit sad, but when you’re in the midst of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, I guess one bid is all you really need. Apparently, there were some intellectual property disputes regarding several Midway franchises including Mortal Kombat (and the production company that has produced two MK movies) and Wheelman (which Vin Diesel’s Tigon Studios co-produced with Midway). However, those issues have been resolved.

As for the Midway studios that Warner Bros. won't be acquiring (San Diego and Newcastle), Joystiq reports that they will be shut down in 60 days, unless they are purchased in the meantime. Currently, there haven't been any bids for either studio or any of the unclaimed properties.

Mortal Kombat, Spy Hunter and This is Vegas (maybe) are solid properties, but the one Midway franchise that I hope Warner’s takes fullest advantage of is Joust. Midway, please give me a next-gen Joust game, and I swear I’ll never ask you for anything else again.

Am I right people?

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