WB Montreal’s DC Game Has to Travel a Path Full of Peaks and Valleys

Following the release of Gotham Knights, faith in WB Games Montreal has noticeably waned compared to before. The Batman: Arkham series demonstrated that superheroes could flourish in contemporary video games, and WB Montreal played a significant role in this success with Arkham Origins. However, due to the skepticism surrounding live-service games being at an all-time high, and the lingering effects of the setback experienced by Gotham Knights, the studio’s reputation has taken a hit. The recent unintended disclosure of their next DC game has sparked some speculation among fans, generating a bit of excitement, but what players know so far is causing significant disappointment.

It has been confirmed through job postings that Warner Bros. Montreal is developing a live-action DC game. Given the less than favorable receptions for games like ‘Gotham Knights’ and ‘Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’, it’s hard not to see this as a repetition of past errors and an apparent disconnect between player preferences and executive funding decisions. However, there are still aspects that could entice DC enthusiasts about what lies ahead. If Warner Bros. Montreal’s upcoming game is going to thrive, it may need to overcome obstacles on its own.

WB Montreal and DC’s Past Failures Still Loom Large

WB Montreal’s “Gotham Knights” crumbled due to technical glitches, repetitive play mechanics, and a lackluster storyline. Just two years later, “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,” also developed by WB Montreal, suffered similar setbacks, tarnishing Rocksteady’s previously untarnished reputation. These consecutive failures amplified an already apparent message: either the live-service era has come to an end, or it has evolved far beyond attempts such as these.

Two unsuccessful efforts to shift DC gaming towards the live-service format should have prompted a change in direction. Players have consistently expressed a preference for narrative-rich games, and live-service models tend to transform characters into mere statistics and loot collection. Given the current plans for DC, it might be challenging to achieve success with these components, but it’s not entirely out of reach.

A Teen Titans Game Provides A Glimmer of Hope

If a live-service model is unavoidable, there might be some optimism with the cooperative Teen Titans game in sight. Since Gotham Knights backs it, Teen Titans could enable WB Montreal to further develop the team-oriented gameplay they’ve already created. The characters in this game possess intriguing abilities that encourage players to experiment with various combat techniques and team arrangements. Furthermore, the Titans have a lighter, more playful dynamic, and their narratives might align better with the current writing style of WB Montreal’s studio.

WB Montreal has significantly changed its style since Arkham Origins, and Arkham Origins itself was heavily influenced by the visual and atmospheric style set by Rocksteady’s Arkham series. The best parts of Gotham Knights leaned towards a more light-hearted tone. A franchise like Teen Titans would suit WB Montreal better, as it falls within their capabilities, and offers a wider range of narrative possibilities, with stories that can tackle cosmic threats all the way down to street-level brawls.

The Live-Service Trap Still Seems Unavoidable

In simpler terms, the challenges associated with creating a game based on a live-service title are amplified, given that such games require specific structures. However, the hypothetical Teen Titans game appears to need modifications or adaptations to incorporate live-service elements, as it doesn’t seem like it was initially designed with this model in mind.

In truth, having battle passes linked to Raven costumes or Starfire emoticons as limited-time events doesn’t automatically enhance the appeal of a Teen Titans game.

The current DC properties that have been adapted lack compatibility with the live-service approach. For instance, the game faced severe criticism due to its repetitive gameplay mechanics, while the game failed to provide a convincing reason for its constant online connectivity requirement. If the fundamental issues aren’t addressed through significant redesigns, these same problems are likely to resurface.

DC Cinematic Universe Synergy Could Make an Impact…

Another important factor to consider is the potential impact of an upcoming “Teen Titans” film being developed by DC Studios. As stated by James Gunn, future video games may be connected to the new DC Universe. Although this is not imminent, the development of the movie might create a connection between DC’s games and its cinematic universe, potentially enhancing the storylines for both.

If the game is connected to the larger storyline, it would provide WB Montreal with a justification for incorporating live-service aspects, which could lead to more extensive interaction across various platforms. Storylines initiated in the movie could be further developed or expanded upon in post-launch game content. The interest generated by the film might extend to the game, potentially lengthening its duration. This would mark a significant step towards genuine fusion of multiple media forms for the first time.

…but a DCU Connection Could Also Make Things Worse

Linking the outcome of the game with a movie still in production might introduce another risk factor for WB Montreal. Movie productions can be subject to delays and changes in studio priorities, while game development timelines are becoming more rigid and extended. If both depend on each other, a halt in film production could cause confusion or require last-minute adjustments for the game. Relying on external factors for game creation is usually not sustainable, as studios already struggle with internal dependencies. Furthermore, rushing a release could squander any positive sentiment a decent game might generate.

On the downside, if leaders prioritize a simultaneous release for enhanced marketing harmony, there’s a risk that the game might be hurried to fulfill an unsuitable deadline, resulting in technical glitches at launch.

WB Montreal’s Next Game Hardly Faces Great Expectations

In light of recent developments, WB Montreal finds itself at a critical juncture, and the road ahead is both promising and perilous. For enthusiasts, the prospect of a new DC game sparks a tempered excitement, but the live-service model casts a shadow over that anticipation. If it’s true that Teen Titans is the core of this project, and WB Montreal can skillfully transform the IP, there lies a real chance for restoration. However, achieving this restoration requires the studio to balance more aspects than ever before in their history.

2025-08-05 03:07