The gaming side of DC Comics has had a rough few years, from the underwhelmingGotham Knightsto the disastrousSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. It’s a particularly disappointing run, not only because of the inherentpotential of DC Comics properties in gaming, but because of the brand’s previously strong pedigree: theBatman: Arkhamfranchise’s influence is still felt to this day, proving what juggernauts companies like Rocksteady and WB Montreal once were.
But it’s also important to put things into perspective. Games likeGotham Knights, for instance, didn’t fail because the developers didn’t care about the property. Rather, it would appear that some mechanics, like the questionablyDestiny-like gear system or granular MMORPG progression model, were misguided and not the best choice for an open-world superhero game. In other words,there’s a world whereGotham Knightscould have turned out rather well, especially given its unique premise, as the idea of aBatmangame without the caped crusader himself, focusing on the legacy he left behind, could have been something special. It would seem that the Bat Family will be put on the back-burner for now, but as WB Montreal pushes forward with its next AAA game, it shouldn’t forget about the choices it made withGotham Knightsentirely.
A Team of Younger Heroes Could Still Work for a Future DC Comics Game
Warner Bros Montreal Could Capitalize On DC Comics' Potential With a Nascent Hero Team
It’s already been confirmed thatWB Montreal is working on another DC Comics game, though its nature is unclear at the moment. Given the amount of untapped potential in franchises likeThe FlashorGreen Lantern, there are countless routes for this game to take, but the best, or at least most interesting, option could be one that aligns withGotham Knights' narrative premise.
There are definitely benefits to putting a more established and experienced hero at the center of a game, but a younger protagonist can open the door to more creative possibilities, both in terms of gameplay and narrative.A game based onTeen Titans, for example, could explore themes of identity, expectations, and the weight of responsibility. Such ideas can and have been touched on in stories with adult heroes, of course, but they tend to have an added dimension when placed in the ever-changing context of adolescence. A game starring younger superheroes would also be well-positioned to provide players with an exciting progression system: there would be a built-in excuse as to why the characters don’t have all their powers yet.
Focusing on a team of young heroes would allowWB Montreal to redeem itself afterGotham Knights, but the aforementioned benefits would apply to a single-hero game as well.
WB Montreal Has Experience Making ‘Year One’ Games
The prequel game formula is one that should be somewhat familiar to WB Montreal in particular, as it’sthe studio behind theBatman: Arkham Originsspin-off. Though not a literalBatman: Year Oneadaptation, the game is emblematic of the benefits of putting a more inexperienced, immature superhero at the forefront of a story: Batman makes more mistakes and has more to learn, which ultimately leads to more interesting storytelling and character-building. Additionally, the game’s premise allowed for a better look at the younger versions of key allies and villains, painting a more robust picture of the Arkhamverse.
Whether theever-prominentBatman: Arkhamuniverseis left behind or not, WB Montreal could reprise its prequel storytelling chops, but this time focusing on a different cast of characters. By doing so, the studio could tap into a font of potential, presenting a unique and flexible narrative in the process.
Gotham Knights
WHERE TO PLAY
Batman is dead. A new expansive, criminal underworld has swept the streets of Gotham City. It is now up to the Batman Family - Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin - to protect Gotham, bring hope to its citizens, discipline to its cops, and fear to its criminals.From solving mysteries that connect the darkest chapters in the city’s history to defeating notorious villains in epic confrontations.Gotham Knights is an open-world, action RPG set in the most dynamic and interactive Gotham City yet. Patrol Gotham’s five distinct boroughs in solo or in co-op and drop in on criminal activity wherever you find it.Your legacy begins now. Step into the Knight.
