Future DC Games May Be Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place

After recent releases have failed to impress audiences, Warner Bros. has revealed that it is going to be shifting focus a bit. Instead of developing titles in all of its vast IP, the studio has plans to put more of an emphasis on four franchises: Mortal Kombat, DC Comics, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. With DC Comics, the studio wants to specifically focus on Batman and his exciting roster of supporting characters. Although that could lead to something special, it may not be the best route forward.

Just like with Marvel, DC has made a name for itself with its massive cast of characters. Players have fallen in love with Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and all the rest of DC’s leading figures. However, the immense success of Batman has eclipsed them all, so naturally, the studio wants to focus on his story more than all the others. And while that has led to some fantastic titles over the years, putting too much of a focus on him may put DC’s future in a tough spot.

The Arkham Series is Currently in a Rough Spot

One of the main reasons that focusing on Batman may not be the best idea is that his video game life seems to be in a rough state right now. While the LEGO Batman franchise has gone from hit to hit, the Batman: Arkham series has not had as much luck recently. The original Arkham trilogy helped define what a great superhero video game should be, but since Arkham Knight, the series has struggled to make the same impact.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was supposed to be the next massive Rocksteady-led adventure in this series, yet it failed to deliver. The focus on live-service proved extremely controversial, the story felt lackluster for many, and the entire experience paled in comparison to what came before. Additionally, the story’s use of the Caped Crusader left a sour taste in the mouths of many.

Outside of Suicide Squad, the other Arkham games after the main trilogy have also struggled to impress audiences. 2013’s Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham VR were met with mixed reception, and Batman: Arkham Shadow has seemingly come and gone despite good reviews. While another mainline Batman: Arkham game could be worth a try, if it continues the franchise’s recent trend, it could also further dampen it for many.

Too Many Batman Experiences May Burn Players Out

Of course, Warner Bros. does not just have to stick with the Batman: Arkham series, as superheroes are rebooted all the time. There are still plenty of stories waiting to be told and gameplay styles waiting to be tapped, so the potential for a Batman-led adventure in another style is seemingly limitless. However, the moment might be right to move away from Batman altogether, despite Warner Bros.’ plans.

Batman has been the face of the DC brand for years, as he is its most profitable hero. He has seen countless movies and appeared in many video games these last couple of years. As of now, there are even two live-action series with The Dark Knight being built, and his most famous villain has just got a brand-new standalone film in the form of Joker: Folie a Deux. Fans do not have to look far for any sort of Batman content, which is great, but if video games also continue to focus on him, then those same fans may quickly get burnt out.

Warner Bros. is at risk of having too much of a good thing on its hands by focusing on Batman. DC is filled to the brim with characters that could shine in their own video games. If Batman is the only thing fans are getting, then those experiences will not feel as special anymore. Yet, if there are other heroes’ stories between whatever Bruce Wayne does next, then that could be the perfect way to build anticipation. Hopefully that’s exactly what will happen, but based on what Warner Bros. has said, it may be a long time before players get anything besides Batman.