In the first two weeks following its release, Marvel Rivals, a team-based player-versus-player (PVP) shooter, amassed over 20 million players. This monumental success has intensified discussions about DC Studios potentially launching a comparable hero shooter game.
DC’s Potential Entry into the Hero Shooter Genre
James Gunn, co-chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios, has expressed interest in integrating future DC titles into a cohesive universe, similar to Marvel’s approach. This openness suggests that DC is considering expanding its gaming portfolio to include interconnected titles, potentially encompassing the hero shooter genre.
DC’s Gaming Legacy and Future Prospects
DC’s rich history includes iconic characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, who have been featured in various video games. Notably, the Batman: Arkham series achieved significant success, with titles such as Batman: Arkham Shadow releasing on October 21, 2024, exclusively for the Meta Quest 3.
The potential for a DC hero shooter is not without precedent; in 2015, DC released Infinite Crisis, a multiplayer online battle arena game featuring characters from different universes within the DC multiverse. Despite its innovative approach, the game struggled to maintain a player base and was discontinued shortly after its launch.
Challenges and Considerations
Developing a DC hero shooter would require substantial time and resources. Without an official announcement or project initiation, such a game would likely take several years to materialize. However, with the gaming community’s growing appetite for superhero-themed games, DC Studios may find it advantageous to explore this avenue.
