PlayStation Abandoning Ratchet & Clank Would Be a Huge Letdown

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As a long-time PlayStation enthusiast and someone who grew up playing Ratchet & Clank games, it breaks my heart to see one of my favorite franchises potentially taking a backseat to Marvel-licensed titles in the future. I remember the thrill of collecting bolts, the joy of using wacky weapons, and the satisfaction of saving the galaxy with my trusty robot sidekick by my side. These games were an integral part of my childhood, and it’s disheartening to see them potentially being overshadowed by Marvel properties.

It’s understandable that Insomniac Games has found success with their Marvel projects, but the balance between these two franchises should not tip too far in one direction. Ratchet & Clank is a beloved series with a rich history and a lot of potential for new adventures. If we lose focus on this franchise, we may miss out on some incredible experiences that could rival even those found in the Marvel games.

I hope that Insomniac Games will remember the importance of keeping both franchises alive and well. After all, who doesn’t love a good joke about wielding a wrench that shoots fish or using a grappling hook to swing through the air like Spider-Man? Let’s keep the laughter and the adventures coming for both Ratchet & Clank and Marvel fans alike!

Sony and Insomniac Games experienced a gradual release schedule in 2024, similar to other AAA studios within the industry that year. However, despite this, they have been secretly working on upcoming projects. The upcoming games Ghost of Yotei and Marvel’s Wolverine are generating buzz for the PlayStation 5’s future. Insomniac played a significant role in establishing the PS5’s foundation during its initial year through the successful launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Another Spider-Man installment is also in the works, while both Ratchet & Clank and Spider-Man continue to make strong additions to the PlayStation library, with the focus currently on Marvel games over Ratchet & Clank.

As a long-time PlayStation gamer who has grown up with Insomniac Games’ iconic creations like Ratchet & Clank, it’s disheartening to see the studio becoming increasingly focused on Marvel licensed games at the expense of their original IPs. While I appreciate the quality work they have done on Marvel titles, it feels like a missed opportunity for Insomniac to continue pushing boundaries with fresh and innovative ideas.

Ratchet & Clank used to be the crown jewel of the PlayStation franchise, and it’s sad to think that this beloved series might fade into obscurity if Insomniac continues down this path. I hope that they find a way to balance their work on Marvel projects with their original creations, so we can continue to enjoy the unique and imaginative worlds they have built over the years.

Ratchet & Clank Used To Be Insomniac’s Star PlayStation Franchise

Although Insomniac Games officially joined Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2019, they had built a successful and productive relationship with Sony for most of their existence. In the late ’90s, the Spyro the Dragon trilogy helped establish the PlayStation 1’s unofficial mascot, while Ratchet & Clank, released in 2002 for the PS2, achieved the same feat. Throughout the following decade, Insomniac focused on developing more Ratchet & Clank games and the Resistance trilogy, cementing their position as a valued Sony studio with a strong primary franchise. Their exploration of smaller projects and collaborations with other publishers during the 2010s seemed justified given their extensive contributions to Sony.

Insomniac’s Relationship With R&C Changed After Marvel’s Spider-Man

During that period, the studio released several more games featuring Ratchet & Clank. However, everything shifted when they were chosen to create Marvel’s Spider-Man for Sony. The 2018 release of this game surpassed all predictions regarding quality and sales, which may have sped up Sony’s decision to purchase Insomniac Games the following year.

In the 2020s, much like other AAA studios, Insomniac Games has been releasing fewer titles than before and is temporarily pausing work on the Ratchet & Clank series. However, they have consistently maintained their high standards of quality while balancing two important intellectual properties (IPs). The issue lies in the uneven attention between these IPs, which could potentially worsen in the future.

Marvel Games Risk Replacing Ratchet & Clank Entirely

From a die-hard film enthusiast like myself, it’s no secret that the December 2023 leak from Insomniac has revealed an exciting future for Marvel fans. Among the six titles they’ve got brewing, only one isn’t set to hit the big screen any time soon – that’s right, the beloved Ratchet & Clank is looking at a release date no earlier than fiscal year 2029. That makes it the second-to-last game on their list, just before an anticipated X-Men title slated for 2030. The future of Insomniac’s projects remains uncertain due to factors like this very leak, evolving market conditions for AAA games, and the cancellation of a multiplayer Spider-Man title alongside Spider-Man 2’s DLC. So buckle up, fellow Marvel and gaming aficionados – it’s going to be one heck of a ride!

As a long-time fan of the Ratchet & Clank series, I have grown to love these witty and imaginative characters over the years. Having played every game since the original release, I can attest to the consistent high quality and creativity that Insomniac Games has brought to the franchise.

Recently, it’s become apparent that Ratchet & Clank is playing second fiddle to Marvel-licensed games in terms of attention and resources. This trend concerns me deeply, as I fear that if this continues, especially if layoffs within the industry continue to affect Insomniac, we may lose one of Sony’s most important franchises.

Ratchet & Clank has a rich history and countless adventures left in it, and the introduction of new characters like Rivet and Kit in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart promises even more exciting stories to be told. As someone who cherishes these games, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness at the thought of this series being neglected or abandoned altogether.

I strongly believe that PlayStation and Insomniac should prioritize finding ways to keep Ratchet & Clank in the spotlight, even as they continue to develop their Marvel games. The franchise deserves recognition for its unique blend of humor, action, and adventure, and it would be a great loss to gamers everywhere if we were deprived of future installments.

In closing, I hope that Insomniac will find a way to keep Ratchet & Clank alive and well in the years to come, as this beloved series has brought joy and excitement to my life for many years now.

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2025-01-02 03:05