Warner Bros. Invests in Quality Superhero Games

[Tom Goldman]

Warner Bros. Invests in Quality Superhero Games

Warner Bros. recognizes that the world needs more superhero games like Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Today, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Rocksteady Studios, the developer behind 2009's pretty awesome Batman: Arkham Asylum. This could easily be considered an investment in not only a proven studio, but in a future where superhero videogames don't suck.

Rocksteady was founded in London in 2004, but really hit it big with Batman: Arkham Asylum last year amongst critics and consumers alike. We already know the studio is working on Arkham Asylum 2, of which only a trailer [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/96841-The-Joker-Returns-in-Arkham-Asylum-2] has been shown so far, but Warner's acquisition could ensure an even lengthier future for the developer as far as superheroes are concerned. Sefton Hill, games director for Rocksteady, hints: "The Rocksteady team is very much looking forward to creating more great games based on widely recognized Warner Bros. brands like Batman."

Warner Bros. now owns two studios that have developed good Batman games, acquiring Lego Batman developer Traveler's Tales back in 2007. With good superhero games for kids and adults now both with a major backer, I think we all win here.

Arkham Asylum is almost an assured big-selling franchise at this point, so superhero videogame fans should have releases to look forward to from Rocksteady for a while. After Arkham Asylum 2 is released, it's likely that Rocksteady Studios will either work on Arkham Asylum 3, or another superhero game from the DC Comics universe. Rocksteady has become the Chris Nolan of the videogame world, successfully bringing the Dark Knight back into a positive public light. Whether the studio will also be brought over to another superhero franchise like Nolan [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/98189-Superman-Could-Get-Dark-Knight-Treatment] is complete speculation, but I wouldn't mind seeing a really good Superman game sometime in the next decade. Or, you know, ever.

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[Jaebird]

If Rocksteady can pull off another title that is just as successful as Arkham Asylum, then there is hope for superheroes in videogames. That, and Activision will no longer have the market cornered with Spider-Man.

I, too, would love to see if they can pull off a Superman game that works.

 

[squid5580]

Give me a good DC Ultimate Alliance (ya I know doesn't have the same ring as MUA). You have the Legion of Superheroes for crying out loud.

 

[Rednog]

Good games make good money....go figure.
I mean really did they think that a good superhero game was going to just appear with no backing or resources?

 

[That's Funny]

Yeah they made a good Batman game, but I hope they don't get stuck making superhero games for ever, oh well at least we might get more good superhero games for once.

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

I hate to say this...but LEGO Batman kinda sucked. That said, I could really go for a good "The Flash" game.

 

[dochmbi]

A Superman 64 remake would be awesome.

 

[Booze Zombie]

How does one make a good game about someone who flys about in red underpants?

I hate to say this...but LEGO Batman kinda sucked. That said, I could really go for a good "The Flash" game.

"What it good for you, baby?"

"Was what good for me?!"

 

[JeanLuc761]

How does one make a good game about someone who flys about in red underpants?

The exact same way one makes a good game about a detective in black underpants:

1) Pen a good script by using established canon and unseen locations alike.
2) Hire quality voice actors.
3) Apply simple, yet effective gameplay mechanics that don't get tiresome.
4) Inject 50cc's of
5) Polish that sumbitch to a mirror shine.

 

[Uber Evil]

I hate to say this...but LEGO Batman kinda sucked. That said, I could really go for a good "The Flash" game.

I can't see that working. A man running really, really fast does not a good videogame make.

 

[qbanknight]

ah yes, making a decent superman game, we shall see, we shall see

 

[Jaebird]

A Superman 64 remake would be awesome.

[HEADING=1]LOL[/HEADING]

It can be called, "Superman: Revenge of the Red Rings".

 

[Booze Zombie]

The exact same way one makes a good game about a detective in black underpants:

1) Pen a good script by using established canon and unseen locations alike.
2) Hire quality voice actors.
3) Apply simple, yet effective gameplay mechanics that don't get tiresome.
4) Inject 50cc's of
5) Polish that sumbitch to a mirror shine.

Can't argue there, Jean.

But I still think Superman needs a costume change.
Trenchcoat, anyone?

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

One thing I've looked forward to for a LONG time (Like since I was a kiddie) was a game where you could actually play a superhero. Huge fight scenes, saving the world, the works.

What I've got so far is a mish-mash of ideas, but both CoX and Arkham Asylum have come close.

With Warner Bros. on the case, I can at least hope a little more - But there's still a fortress full of people who "know how it should be done", and very few who listen first.

I think JeanLuc761 has it about right though - although 6) Don't add any bloody stupid DRMs/restrictions. If Mewtwo can sell bucketloads, be pirated bucketloads and still make a profit; just think what could be done with a licence as well.

 

[Joe Matsuda]

all I want is for a Booster Gold videogame

or hell, a Question game would be awesome...

but I'll just wait until DC Universe Online and hope for the best

 

[DrDeath3191]

I'm pretty sure that WB is releasing a game base on the Brave and the Bold cartoon show. If it has the Music Meister in it, I'd be perfectly okay with it.

Also, Neil Patrick Harris for Arkham Asylum 2.

 

[008Zulu_v1legacy]

A Superman 64 remake would be awesome.

Lets see them, or anyone, make a Superman game that doesn't suck.

 

[Kuchinawa212]

yeah! We need more good super hero games! Good thing WB can hopefully help out

 

[Flying-Emu]

Take this game.

Refine it.

Release it.

Profit.