Superhero storytelling can be a funny business, and flagship franchises likeBatmanmake that more clear than ever. While theCaped Crusader seems to be mostly retiredfrom the realm of video games for now, it’s likely only a matter of time before he squeezes his way back into the interactive world. How exactly this return will manifest is a mystery, though.
One interesting path that Warner Bros., the controlling entity of DC Comics, could take with futureBatmangames is a bifurcated one: the IP could be diversified rather than consolidated into one single continuity or franchise. This would reflect what DC is doing with the DCU and DC Elseworlds series, as the former contains the myriad DC rebirth films, TV shows, and games, while the latter is mostly retentive of the Arrowverse and its characters. This approach, having multiple versions of the same characters existing at once, in two separate continuities, might give audience and C-suite executives pause, but it actually makes a lot of sense.
Batman Might Benefit from the Split-Continuity Approach of the DCU
Long-Running Continuity Is Rarely Successful in Comic Book Media
Taking a look at the longest-running comic book franchises—Batman,Superman,Spider-Man, et cetera—the uninitiated might be at a loss about how they have endured so many decades of relevance. But those familiar with comic book storytelling know that, even though a character likeBatmanhas technically existed for almost a centurynow, the Batman of today is not the same Batman of the 1940s.
This is true in both a literal and figurative sense. Batman stories have changed to reflect the interests and values of their era and respective creators, but the character himself has literally changed as part of the series' canon. In-universe events like Flashpoint have created multiple different versions of Batman, allowingBatmancomics to deviate wildly in terms of tone, plot, and consequences.
This is to say nothing of the distinctions across different mediums. For many years, theBatman Arkhamgames existed alongsidethe Christopher NolanBatmanfilms, and audiences could enjoy both the games and the films without feeling confused or discombobulated: it was clear that these were two different visions of the Batman mythos. Moreover, the coexistence of these two franchises allowed for more diverse and refreshing stories; one could enjoy both the stylized, more comic-accurate world of theArkhamgames and the grounded, action-thriller world of the Nolan films in equal measure. There was a wealth of choice forBatmanfans, especially those open to different interpretations.
How Two Batman Video Game Franchises Could Exist Simultaneously
If Batman video games were to adopt the same release philosophy as the DCU and Elseworlds, with Warner Bros. licensing the IP to two or more development teams, gamers could get more, and more diverse,Batmangame adaptations. Perhaps theArkhamseries could come backin full swing, bringing Bruce Wayne back from the dead or starring Terry McGinnis ofBatman Beyond. These new games could retain the open-world design of their predecessors, while anotherBatmanfranchise could be more linear or story-driven, with a different approach to combat, puzzle, and narrative design.
This would mean a denser release schedule, leading to more games in the hands of players. But perhaps more importantly, it would mean a broader spectrum of creative takes onBatman, as one team could explore the more sober and philosophical aspects of the character, while another could hone in on action-adventure elements, for example. There could be fears of one franchise cannibalizing the other, which might not be unfounded, but two concurrentBatmangame series could just as easily attain massive success, supporting each other and keeping the broader IP strong and in-demand.
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.
