Since its launch in December,Marvel Rivalshas achieved massive success in the gaming universe. With its cast of superheroes and villains, the third-person shooter has provided a masterclass in leveraging a franchise’s popularity while delivering engaging gameplay. As a free-to-play title,Marvel Rivalsshows no signs of slowing down, reigniting interest in the hero-shooter genre and attracting new players.
With NetEase Games' superhero shooter gaining widespread recognition, some DC fans have expressed a wish that it had been a DC Comics project instead. Past comments have even wondered if DC could strike a deal with the developers to include beloved DC characters inMarvel Rivals. These desires may not be entirely unfounded, as James Gunn recently mentioned that aMarvel Rivals-style game with DC charactersis a real possibility. If this type of title is genuinely up for consideration, DC shouldn’t underestimate the fan interest in Batman and his iconic cast of characters.
The Case For DC Comics To Follow in Marvel Rivals' Footsteps
DC Studios Expresses Interest in Its Own Hero-Shooter
In a recentinterview at a DC Studios event, James Gunn responded to whether a DC version ofMarvel Rivalscould be expected, saying, “Totally possible. I’d be open to it.” Though this sentiment is brief and confirms that DC is not currently working on such a project, it’s nice that the Co-CEO of DC Studios isn’t ruling out this possibility. Withgames likeOverwatch 2andMarvel Rivalspaving the way, it could be wise for DC to introduce its own competitor in the hero-shooter niche.
Naturally, a DC Rivals-style game would need to be crafted with care, meaning it could take several years to come to fruition. Rushing a project or missing the mark could lead to a situation similar to theshutdown ofConcord, Sony Interactive’s first-person hero shooter, which was taken offline two weeks after the game’s release due to low player interest. Fortunately,Marvel Rivalshas already proven that it may not have been hero-shooter fatigue that plaguedConcord, but rather the lack of recognizable characters and universes to generate excitement.
Batman’s Allies and Villains Are Perfect for a Hero Shooter
DC Comics is already home to thousands of iconic characters, with Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman leading the charge. Though a hero-shooter should undoubtedly feature this trinity, along with other famous teams like the Doom Patrol, the Outlaws, the Suicide Squad, and the Titans, the true money-maker lies with Gotham’s Caped Crusader. Not only areBatman’s Rogues Galleryand allies numerous, but his extensive collection of films, animated films, shows, animated series, and video games demonstrate ongoing interest.
In traditional hero-shooters, characters are divided into three main roles: tanks, damage dealers, and healers.Overwatch 2classifies them as Tank, Damage, and Support, whileMarvel Rivalsuses Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist. Terminology aside, several of Batman’s characters seem like shoo-ins for specific roles, with Bane and Killer Croc likely best fitting as tanks. As for DPS, Red Hood is well-suited as a damage dealer akin toMarvel Rivals' The Punisher and Winter Soldier. Additionally, Nightwing stands out as a hero with immense flexibility, wielding Escrima sticks and a grappling hook. These abilities could see him swinging into enemy backlines like Spider-Man or functioning as a melee-dive DPS similar to Genji.
Other Batman-related characters and their possible roles are as follows:
