Square Enix announces Marvel team-up for new Avengers game

Avengers, Assemble! Marvel video games are back, with Square Enix as publisher.

Curious by its absence, Marvel hasn’t been all that busy in the world of video games over the last few years. And that’s a shame since, in the past, they’ve had some pretty great games. Most of those have been based on their comic book universe of course. Titles like X-Men Legends and Marvel Ultimate Alliance are pretty fondly remembered. As for movie tie-ins, well… those’ve been somewhat lacking.

Captain America from Sega was decent, but that was about it. Until today that is.

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes

Not much to go on there, but it sure does hit all the right notes doesn’t it? It’s also hard to tell if this is based more on the movies or the comics. Though I will say that some little tells here and there seem to be leaning the movie way. Hard to say overall though, at this stage. I say “based on” by the way, because publisher Square Enix is crafting a brand new universe for fans to play in here.

Yes, ‘universe’. From the press release:

The Avengers project is being designed for gamers worldwide and will be packed with all the characters, environments, and iconic moments that have thrilled longtime fans of the franchise. Featuring a completely original story, it will introduce a universe gamers can play in for years to come. More details on The Avengers project and other games will be announced in 2018.

If you’re a comics fan, that’s gotta pique your interest. I’ve been saying for years (seriously) that video games based on comics need to go the way of the MCU. Having a cohesive universe of titles just makes sense. A place where storylines in one game, could affect the arc in another. This seems to be the way that Square Enix’ universe is heading and I’m all kinds of excited for that.

So who’s doing the development on this first game in the new line? That’d be none other than Tomb Raider’s Crystal Dynamics and Eidos-Montreal, developers of Deus Ex.

“By partnering with Crystal Dynamics and Eidos-Montréal, we are now working with two of the industry’s most talented and respected game development studios to bring Marvel stories to life in ways our fans have never experienced,“ said Jay Ong, Senior Vice President, Games & Innovation, Marvel Entertainment. “The Avengers project is a perfect example of how Marvel is making games a key part of the landscape for Marvel storytelling, alongside comics, television and film. We can only do this by matching our greatest Super Heroes with the world’s top developers, such as the creative minds at Square Enix.”

“Marvel’s diverse, innovative universe has created millions of longtime fans, including all of us,” said Phil Rogers, CEO, Square Enix Americas and Europe. “It’s exciting to bring together Square Enix’s award-winning development studios with Marvel’s extraordinary storytellers to establish a new entertainment powerhouse. This collaboration of passion and talent will craft epic, imaginative experiences allowing gamers to live out their Super Hero dreams like never before.”

Sound good? You’re damn right it does. The only bummer here is that it’ll be a while till we see anything solid from this. Or from any other Marvel project for that matter. Remember that Square Enix talking about 2018. So I think it’s probably safe to assume that we can figure on a more substantial unveiling at next year’s E3 or SDCC.

We’ll have more, as it becomes available.