The Marvel Cinematic 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 through Insomniac’s critically acclaimed Spider-Man game, followed by Crystal Dynamic’s Avengers, as well as Eidos Montreal’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
Amidst a plethora of announcements for future games that make use of Marvel’s colorful cast of characters – such as Insomniac’s standalone Wolverine game – 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 developing City of Heroes back in the day.
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 for its work with DC 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.
While it is unclear who will emerge on top in the end, or if there ever will be an MMO titan like World of Warcraft again, the arrival of a Marvel MMORPG to the genre can only bring good things with it.
