TheMarvelCinematic Universe, with a total worldwide gross of $23,742,260,776 across 26 movies, has shown over the past 13 years that people are interested in superhero stories – and at this point, in 2021 – no one can deny that the popularity of even the most obscure characters in Marvel comics is at an all time high. Under these circumstances, it’s a small wonder that Marvel Entertainment continues to invest in the gaming market throughInsomniac’s critically acclaimedSpider-Mangame, followed by Crystal Dynamic’sAvengers, as well as Eidos Montreal’sGuardians of the Galaxy.
Amidst a plethora of announcements for future games that make use ofMarvel’s colorful cast of characters – such asInsomniac’s standaloneWolverinegame– it looks like Marvel Entertainment is also keenly and actively working with Dimensional Ink Studios to bring the world of Marvel to life in an MMORPG format, with game designer Jack Emmert at the helm, who had a hand in developingCity of Heroesback in the day.
RELATED:Does Insomniac Games Have Too Much on Its Plate?
While it is yet unknown what kind of a game Dimensional Ink Studios has in store for its audience, one can make a healthy assumption that Marvel Entertainment hired the development team forits work withDC Universe Online. The fantasy to create one’s own superhero and roam the streets of New York or Sokovia, or even see the wonders of Wakanda alongside every player’s favorite Marvel hero (or villain) is a fantasy that has the potential for mass appeal.
With the way the project was announced, however, it is clear that this is a fantasy that’s still far away. The gears are turning, and the game is no doubt coming along, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if more concrete information and actual game footage of Dimensional Ink Studios' Marvel MMORPG only started showing up in 2023.
No one knows how the gaming market will look like for MMORPGs in the future, and for the longest time in the past decade, it felt like only World of Warcraft was favored by fans of the genre enough to enjoy sustained success and popularity, with other MMOs having a strong launch period before stabilizing towards a noticeably smaller, yet still profitable audience. However, with thesurging popularity ofFinal Fantasy 14, as well as the release of Amazon’sNew World, it points to the genre emerging from a period of complacency and stagnation, and going through a renaissance filled with competition and innovation.
While it is unclear who will emerge on top in the end, or if there ever will be an MMO titan likeWorld of Warcraftagain, the arrival of a Marvel MMORPG to the genre can only bring good things with it.
