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Storytelling about superheroes can sometimes be quite amusing, and this is particularly evident with iconic series like Batman. For the moment, it appears that Batman has taken a break from the video game scene, but his comeback seems inevitable. Exactly how he’ll re-emerge in the interactive world remains to be seen.

A potential direction for future Batman video games, led by Warner Bros., could be to split the intellectual property (IP) rather than merging it into a single continuity or brand. This strategy mirrors what DC Comics is doing with the DC Universe (DCU) and the DC Elseworlds series. The DCU encompasses various DC Rebirth movies, TV shows, and games, while the Elseworlds series mainly focuses on the Arrowverse and its characters. Having multiple versions of the same characters coexisting in two distinct continuities could initially seem confusing to both audiences and corporate decision-makers, but it actually has merit.

Batman Might Benefit from the Split-Continuity Approach of the DCU

Long-Running Continuity Is Rarely Successful in Comic Book Media

Examining the longest-standing comic book series such as Batman, Superman, Spider-Man and so on, newcomers might wonder how they’ve managed to remain significant for decades. However, those versed in comic book narratives understand that a character like Batman, who’s been around almost a century, is not the same Batman from the 1940s. Instead, he has evolved over time.

In both a straight and symbolic manner, Batman tales have evolved to mirror the preferences and ideals of the times they were created, and the character himself has undergone actual changes within the storyline’s continuity. Internal occurrences such as Flashpoint have spawned various interpretations of Batman, giving the Batman comics a wide range of differences in tone, plotlines, and repercussions.

To put it simply, there were distinct differences between the Batman stories told through various platforms, such as games and movies. For example, the Batman Arkham games and Christopher Nolan’s Batman films have coexisted for a long time, providing fans with an enjoyable mix of both mediums without causing confusion or discomfort. It was evident that these were separate interpretations of the Batman mythos. Having two different franchises also meant a wider range of stories, allowing fans to appreciate both the comics-inspired style of the Arkham games and the action-packed realism of the Nolan films equally. This was a great advantage for Batman enthusiasts who enjoy diverse perspectives on the character.

How Two Batman Video Game Franchises Could Exist Simultaneously

If Warner Bros. were to license the Batman video game IP to multiple development teams, similar to how they manage the DC Universe and Elseworlds, gamers would receive an increased number and variety of Batman games. For instance, the Arkham series could experience a resurgence, featuring the return of Bruce Wayne or focusing on Terry McGinnis from Batman Beyond. These new games might preserve the open-world structure of their predecessors, whereas another Batman franchise could take a more linear or narrative-driven approach, offering a unique twist to combat, puzzles, and storytelling.

Having multiple Batman games released more frequently would result in a higher number of games being played by fans. This is significant because it allows for a wider range of creative interpretations of Batman. One team could delve into the character’s deeper, philosophical aspects, while another could focus on action-packed adventure elements. There’s a risk that one series might compete with the other, but two simultaneous Batman game franchises could also achieve remarkable success, bolstering each other and maintaining strong demand for the broader IP.

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2025-04-15 00:35