With an upcoming film set to redefine the DC universe in the medium of film alongside a growing legacy of well-received shows launched in recent years, theSupermanfranchise is poised to become an even greater cornerstone of Warner Bros. future. Despite this new momentum, Batman remains a far more prominent figure in the gaming industry after many successful adaptations, and a newSupermanvideo game is conspicuously absent. There hasn’t been any news of an upcoming project, and failing to capitalize on Superman’s surging status in the current climate of DC’s revitalization would be a missed opportunity.
The success ofRocksteady’sArkhamtitleshas granted Batman a rare level of commercial success for superheroes in gaming. In stark contrast, Superman’s few games have historically struggled to land with the same mainstream longevity, with the setting of Metropolis taking a backseat to Gotham City. After reports of Warner Bros.' financial losses followingSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueandMultiVersus, both featuring the character in limited roles, it may finally be the right time for a game about Kal-El to find the success that the company needs more than ever.
Superman’s Upcoming Film is Set to Define DC’s Legacy Moving Forward
The Center of a New Attempt at a Cinematic Universe
Under director James Gunn, theupcomingSupermanfilmwill signify a complete reset for DC as it transitions beyond the DCEU into a fresh era for future films. This reboot centers Superman as the lead of the universe’s pantheon of heroes, and will presumably more closely match the lighter tone of his comics. This is guaranteed to spark more interest in the character, bringing his adventures to life in a format that will reach millions of viewers and make him truly culturally relevant again.
Other Media Has Been Building Up to a Movie
In recent years, Supermanhas also more quietly gained visibility through TV series that reestablished his appeal among modern audiences.Superman and Loison The CW has found success by setting itself apart from the Arrowverse and humanizing the character’s dual life. Meanwhile,My Adventures with Superman, an anime-style series, has reimagined Clark Kent’s story in a youthful format, further demonstrating the character’s appeal across mediums and demographics alike.
There Has Never Been a Better Time for a New Superman Game
Overcoming the Difficulties of Adapting Superman into Gaming
Historically, it’s been a struggle to bring Superman into a challenging gameplay experience due to his immense canonical power level. Past attempts, likeSuperman 64, infamously relied on artificial constraints like the infamous flying hoop challenges instead of meaningful encounters with his villains. Unlike how Batman thrives on grounded, street-level combat, Superman’s near-invincibility presents obstacles that contradict traditional game design. By respecting his ethos, however, a title focused on the daily heroics of saving lives while managing the expectations of a double life as Clark Kent could find itself truly in line with the character.
Modern Technology Can Push the Limits of Superhero Power Fantasy
It’s been tough to imagine a title that captures the full scope of being the protector of Metropolis in the past, but precedents have since been set for massive, populated cities by the likes ofGTAandCyberpunk 2077. If afuture Superman video gameessentially takes the direction of an anti-crime simulator, it might be able to find a place as a massively successful open-world title that can stand against the darker tone of theArkhamtitles. A game of this scope, if synchronized with the raised profile of the Superman movie release, could solidify his place in gaming as Batman’s equal.
Superman
Cast
Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is the first movie in Warner Bros.' rebooted DC Universe to center around the titular comic book hero. It introduces a new version of the Man of Steel after Henry Cavill’s departure from the role, honoring the character’s roots as “the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way.”
