TheArkhamseries has been hailed by many as some of the best comic book-based video games in modern gaming. Rocksteady’s work on theBatman: Arkhamgames put the developer in fantastic standing with many gamers, but the studio has unfortunately not seen much success with its most recent project.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguewas one of the first major flops of the year, as both critics and players panned it. The game also faced plenty of controversy for seemingly killing off Batman and the rest of the Justice League. Thankfully,Kill the Justice Leagueback-tracked on this decision, as a recent twist revealed that the murdered heroes were actually clones. This now leaves the door wide open for Batman to make a return, and according to rumors, that is the route Rocksteady is planning on taking next. Industry insider Nick Baker dropped an update that he heard Rocksteady’s next project is a newArkhamgame, or at least a Batman-focused title. If that’s the case, the game could bring up some complicated feelings.
A New Arkham Game Could Bring Rocksteady Back, But With a Cost
Hopes For Other Rocksteady Superhero Games Could Become Lower Than Ever
Past job postings from Rocksteady have confirmed that the developer is currently working on a project, but its identity has yet to be confirmed. There has been speculation that the studio would continue to explore outside the realms of Batman’s story, but the failure ofKill the Justice Leaguemay have caused Warner Bros. and Rocksteady to reevaluate the next steps forward.Going back to theArkhamseriesmay be too obvious of a move, but it would be one of the safest available.
However, this potential preference for safety could also squash the chances of another DC superhero game being the post-Kill the Justice Leagueproject. In the past, James Gunn has confirmed that his DC universe will bleed over into games, but it’s unclear to what extent. It’s possible that the next Batman game isn’t anArkhamgame at all and is a brand-new series based on the character, which would be intriguing. On the other hand, though, with James Gunn’s Superman film scheduled for next summer, finally seeing a Rocksteady-made game based onDC’s most iconic charactercould be a strong turn.
The arrival ofBatman: Arkham Shadowhas many excited, but since it is a VR title, it doesn’t have as wide of a reach with its audience.
DC Characters Who Could Offer a Unique Story in a Rocksteady Game
Wonder Woman already has a game in the works with Monolith, but its production has seemingly gone silent. The Joker, of course, has been a fixture inArkhamand evenKill the Justice League, buta game from the Clown Prince of Crime’s perspectiveis full of possibilities. Rocksteady nailed bringing horror themes toArkham, making a Justice League Dark game with Constantine and Swamp Thing another compelling option.
Rocksteady’s Chance to Rise From the Ashes
Unfortunately,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguehas hurt Rocksteady’s reputation, but hopefully not for long. Even if the developer chooses a newArkhamor Batman game as its next project, it will be a welcome return to form. The mysterious in-development project has yet to be confirmed, but there are already even rumors thatit could be a PlayStation exclusive.
Whatever hero or villain Rocksteady chooses to make the centerpiece of its next game, returning to a narrative-driven formula would be ideal for many. IftheArkhamuniverse is destined to grow, then bringing Batman back into the spotlight may be the best starting point.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
Become Batman in this official new entry into the Arkham franchise.It’s the Fourth of July, and Gotham City is under attack by a new threat: the mysterious Rat King and his cultish devotees. As widespread rioting engulfs the city, Batman races to prevent this so-called “Day of Wrath” before it all goes wrong.Experience the World of Batman Like Never Before:Immerse yourself in all the grit of Gotham City with the power of VR, and take down its most notorious criminals.Hard-Hitting Arkham CombatRealized exclusively for VR—choose from fan favorite gadgets and bold fighting styles reimagined from the beloved Arkham franchise.Friends, Foes and Other Familiar Faces:Meet Dr.’s Quinzel and Crane before they became Harley Quinn and Scarecrow, as well as other iconic characters including Harvey Dent, Jim Gordon, and Ratcatcher.
