Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) and Marvel's Spider-Man (2018) cover art
Video games based on superheroes have been a popular genre for decades, allowing players to take on the roles of their favourite comic book characters and experience their adventures in an interactive format. From classic games like Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) and Spider-Man 2 (2004), to recent hits like Marvel's Spider-Man (2018) and Marvel's Avengers (2020), these games have become a staple of the gaming industry.
With advancements in graphics, storytelling, and gameplay mechanics, superhero games have become more immersive and faithful to their source material than ever before.
Additionally, with the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Extended Universe, there has been renewed interest in video games based on these iconic characters.
Superheroes, as we know them today, have been around for almost a century (Superman first appeared in 1938), although stories of heroes have been around for as long as humanity has been telling stories.
Superheroes’ popularity has never been as high as in the last two decades, partially thanks to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This has prompted a resurgence in the popularity of comic books and a production of a lot of different superhero-based media, such as video games.
The popularity of comic books, movies, and TV show adaptations also speaks to the success of video games based on superheroes.
Video games featuring superheroes have been wildly successful both critically and commercially. The genre has seen a steady rise in popularity over the years, with some of the biggest titles in gaming history being superhero games.
For example, Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018) sold 33 million copies as of May 2022, making it one of the best-selling games on the PlayStation 4 platform. In addition to its commercial success, Marvel's Spider-Man also received widespread critical acclaim, with many critics praising its storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and faithful representation of the Spider-Man character. On the DC side of the coin, Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) sold 5 million copies in its first 6 months, making it one of the best-selling superhero game franchises of all time.
The success of superhero games has not been limited to just Batman and Spider-Man, however. Other popular titles include the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series, the Injustice series, and the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes games, all of which have sold millions of copies and received positive reviews.
Superhero video games have a unique ability to engage fans in a way that other games cannot. By allowing players to control their favourite superheroes, games like Spider-Man and Batman: Arkham Knight series creates a sense of immersion that is hard to replicate in other media.
These games allow fans to experience the thrill of swinging through the streets of New York as Spider-Man or gliding over the rooftops of Gotham as Batman. They also allow players to interact with other beloved characters from the comic book universe, further enhancing the feeling of being part of a larger world.
The success of games like Batman: Arkham series and Marvel's Spider-Man have helped to legitimise the superhero genre in gaming and establish it as a major part of the industry. In turn, this has led to a greater emphasis on storytelling and world-building in superhero games, with developers striving to create games that capture the essence of their characters and their worlds.
Superhero video games have also had an impact on representation and inclusivity in gaming. With the introduction of characters like Miles Morales and Batgirl as playable characters, games like Marvel's Spider-Man and Batman: Arkham Knight have helped to promote diversity and representation in gaming. They have also helped to challenge traditional gender and racial stereotypes by introducing female and minority characters as heroes in their own right.
Superhero video games have become an increasingly important and influential part of the gaming industry and popular culture.
These games allow players to step into the shoes of their favourite superheroes and experience their adventures in an interactive and immersive format.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that superhero video games will remain a popular and important genre for players and developers alike. With new technology and innovative ideas, developers will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in superhero games, creating even more immersive and engaging experiences for players.