TheArkhamseries has been the standard forBatmangames ever sinceArkham Asylumhit the scene back in 2009. Since then, there have been severalArkhamsequels, mostly headed by developer Rocksteady. However, the Arkhamverse has been facing some turmoil lately. At the beginning of 2024,Batmantook a back seat asSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguewas supposed to ring in the next era of the series.
This change in direction did not go according to plan, leaving Rocksteady with the decision to discontinue ongoing development of the live-service title.The end ofSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguewrapped up its Arkhamverse chapter, leaving plenty of questions about what awaits the extended universe next. Recently, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier claimed that Rocksteady could be returning to Batman after all. Of course, these claims should be taken with a grain of salt until proven true, but if the studio revisits Batman-focusedArkhamgames, it makes one wonder if WB Games Montreal’s now-scrapped Project Sabbath concepts could make a comeback as well.
Project Sabbath Was Planning to Take the Arkhamverse in a Brand-New Direction
Damian Wayne Picking Up the Batman Mantle
The few details that are known about the canceled Project Sabbath game promised some fascinating changes from the previousArkhamchapters. Project Sabbath was planned to take 10 years after the events ofArkham Knight, introducing Damian Wayne as the new Batman. Since its cancelation,leaked concept art for Project Sabbathhas made its rounds on the internet, teasing a compelling concept that never came to fruition.
After the success of developer Camouflaj’sArkham ShadowVR spin-off last year, bringing more Batman into the spotlight may be the best way to reignite interest in the Arkhamverse. However, if Rocksteady still wants to keep the story fresh, then revisiting the unused Project Sabbath ideas may be an exciting path forward fora newArkhamgame.
Everything Known About Project Sabbath
A resurrected Poison Ivy was also planned for Project Sabbath. This would eventually be seen inSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Rocksteady Has a Steep Hill to Climb
After the performance ofSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Rocksteady has serious work ahead of it. Bouncing back from the live-service game’s tumultuous year won’t be easy, but it’s also not impossible. The direction Project Sabbath was going in is an incredibly intriguing route, and if these Rocksteady rumors are true, making the canceled story a reality could prove to bethe right move for theArkhamseries.
Rocksteady’s Next Move Will Hopefully Become Clear Soon
Until Rocksteady makes an official statement about its next project, then there can only be speculation on what the developer plans to do in the future. When it comes to Warner Bros. games,the company has faced a rocky year outsideSuicide Squad, as well. Between the shut-down ofSuicide SquadandMultiVersusand the shaky development of Monolith’sWonder Womangame, Warner Bros. and its respective game studios need a win.
There’s also the question of who will play Bruce Wayne in a new Batman game following Kevin Conroy’s unfortunate death.Arkham Originsvoice actor Roger Craig Smith reprized the role inArkham Shadows, but it’s unclear if he will continue to play Batman.
Thankfully,Arkham Shadowserved as the silver lining of a tough year, demonstrating that strong games based in the Arkhamverse are still quite possible. It’s unclear if Rocksteady will ever return to Project Sabbath’s ideas, but the developer’s recent shake-ups could ultimately be a blessing in disguise.
