Summary
Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe began, superheroes have dominated pop culture. Moviegoers have been treated to a plethora of high-stakes adventures, the world of streaming is filled to the brim with superhero-related media, and there are so many superpower-filled video games. While its popularity may be slowing down a bit, these brands are not going anywhere as they continue to expand their catalogs across mediums. And one of the biggest marketsMarveland DC seem to be going after is the video game industry.
Right now, there are multiple superhero games in various stages of production.Marvelhas the likes ofMarvel’s Blade,Marvel’s Wolverine, andMarvel’s Iron Manwhile DC hasSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueandWonder Womanlooming on the horizon. Along with that, both studios have had some pretty successful titles over the years, and that will likely continue for the foreseeable future. However, the way both brands are approaching the industry seems to be vastly different.
Marvel and DC Are Conquering Video Games in Different Ways
DC Likes to Play it Safe With Its Video Games
For years now, DC has mostly played it safe within the video game industry. Ever since the release ofthe critically acclaimedBatman: Arkham Asylum, the studio has mostly been focused on delivering Batman-centric adventures. There have been other titles disconnected from the Bat Family, likeThe Wolf Among Us, but the majority of DC titles have either centered themselves around Batman or involved him in some capacity.
Not only has DC mainly focused on Gotham City, but its games have also come from the same set of studios. Almost every title has come from a Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment subsidiary, withstudios like Rocksteady and WB Games Montrealleading the charge. On top of that, many of them have simply been action-adventure titles, with only a few straying away from that formula. While this has made for some great games over the years, some fans may want a little more. And maybe the upcomingThe Wolf Among Us 2andWonder Womanwill be exactly that.
Marvel Seems to Be Focused on Experimentation
As DC plays it mostly safe within the gaming industry, Marvel seems to be throwing whatever it can out to see what sticks. While the company does like creating Spider-Man-centric games, it has also seen a plethora of other heroes take center stage. The Avengers got their time to shine,the Guardians of the Galaxyheadlined their own adventure, and even the Midnight Suns had a starring role. These games may have ranged heavily in quality, but being able to see all of these heroes take center stage has been a treat for fans.
Perhaps the biggest difference with Marvel’s approach to gaming is the studios it taps to make games with its many characters. Unlike DC, Marvel seems to let all sorts of developers play within its world.Studios like Firaxis Games, Insomniac Games, Crystal Dynamics, and Eidos-Montreal have all gotten their chance to explore the Marvel universe. In the future, Skydance, Motive, and Arkane Lyon will also get that same chance.
Marvel’s approach may lead to an inconsistent quality level, but it also means a more diverse catalog of titles. Its many games follow different characters, and they take on so many different genres. At the same time, Warner Bros. Interactive has been able to create somefantastic games with the DC brand, yet they also feel more limited in what they can do. There just does not seem to be that same level of experimentation as there is for Marvel. However, there is always a chance that will change in the future.
Marvel’s Blade
Marvel’s Blade is in development at Arkane Lyon, which developed Deathloop and Dishonored. It is a mature single-player third-person adventure game set in Paris, where players take on the role of the titular and beloved comic book hero.
