Square Enix and Marvel are teaming up for a mammoth project that will span years and include multiple games. The first of these is code-named “Avengers Project“. This sounds to many like a similar concept to Destiny or The Division. Here’s what we know so far about “Avengers Project”.
This is not the first time the two giants Square Enix and Disney have collaborated on a project together.
Through the Kingdom Hearts series, they have been in a successful partnership for over 15 years, which is now being further expanded with the Avengers project. The cooperation between Square Enix and Marvel was first announced in January 2017. Apart from a short teaser trailer and some press statements, there has been little information about the project.
What we know about Avengers Project
If there is one thing known about the deal between SE and Marvel, it’s that: The deal is huge.
Avengers Project is supposed to be the first game from a deal that will span years and encompass multiple games.
According to the co-head of Crystal Dynamics, Ron Ronsenberg, the development progress of Avengers is currently “moving extremely quickly” and he hopes it will be a project “that Marvel fans will be proud of”.
The game will be a “3rd Person Cover-Based Action Adventure”, which doesn’t say much on its own. It sounds like a “cover shooter”, similar to The Division.
However, the job postings from Crystal Dynamics and Eidos bring a bit more detail to the matter.
They are looking for, among other things:
- Lead Level Designer for development
- External Lead Designer
- Senior Producer (Single Player Campaign)
- Game Writer / Narrative Designer (writing focused)
- Associated Cinematic Animator
Strong Multiplayer Elements
What exactly does this mean for the game?
Regarding Multiplayer: As the description of the first two positions emphasizes, the game will feature strong multiplayer elements, as both designers will be responsible for developing innovative and extraordinary online experiences. Additionally, a high value will be placed on social features and a “Shared Game World”.
This suggests that the gameplay from the Avengers Project will offer players the opportunity to team up in groups to master the content. Similar to what has already been done in Destiny or The Division.
This assumption is reinforced by further job descriptions that include “working on exciting new game modes and campaigns.” It also means that the game could feature both PvP and PvE elements.
Moreover, the PvE aspect is further emphasized by another job description that talks about designing boss fights and combat mechanics.
Single Player Campaign and Story
Regarding Singleplayer: The job posting for the Senior Producer leaves no doubt that there will also be a single player campaign.
In MMO games, single player campaigns often serve to introduce the player to the game universe before they can tackle further challenges in multiplayer.
It is therefore not unusual for a multiplayer-focused game to be accompanied by a campaign. However, as both Marvel and Square Enix have emphasized, the game will also have a strong story focus, which only confirms Crystal Dynamics’ search for narrative designers and cinematic animators.
Regarding the story: The narrator’s monologue from the teaser trailer sets the game in a timeframe where superheroes are hunted and seemingly have to go underground, which is a rather popular motif among comic scenarios.
According to Marvel’s official statement, the Avengers project will feature a completely new and standalone story. However, Marvel also stated that the story of the game will include many characters, locations, and moments that fans will recognize.
Together with the fact that it is not known whether it will tie into one of the many continuities of Marvel, this statement leaves an extremely wide scope for speculation.
Who is developing Avengers Project?
These are the developers: The project is being developed by the studios Eidos Montreal (Deus Ex) and Crystal Dynamics (Tomb Raider), who have been part of the gaming powerhouse Square Enix for several years now.
As with all other details, Square is very tight-lipped about who exactly is working on their project, but Scott Amos from Crystal Dynamics shared that many from the team previously worked on titles like Star Wars: Battlefront and Batman: Arkham Origins.
Furthermore, it is believed that the former creative director and writer of “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy,” Shaun Escayg, is also involved in the project. So far, only Stephen Barry, who will hold the position of director of production, has been confirmed. Barry has worked for EA and Visceral Games, among others, on the Dead Space games.
“The most ambitious project from Crystal Dynamics”
Connecting all the points, the Avengers Project sounds like a mix of Destiny and Warframe, all wrapped in a sleek Avengers superhero cloak.
Especially, this line in the press release strongly suggests that it is a “Games as Service” game, if not even a real MMORPG: “It will introduce a universe in which fans can play for years.”
And after Square Enix emphasized multiple times in their annual report to investors that the company will expand its game offerings towards “Games as Service,” this conclusion isn’t that far-fetched.
It is not known whether the multi-game deal between Square and Marvel will only involve Avengers games, as the Marvel Universe also encompasses the X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Fantastic Four.
However, it is certain that Square and Disney are bringing out the big guns with this project.
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