Insomniac’s now-canceled Spider-Man: The Great Web game was completely under wraps and revealed to us after the infamous ransomware attack faced by the company last year. After much time has passed, more information about the title has been revealed, and fans are mourning what could have been.
A fully voiced trailer for the live-service game was leaked, and so was the game’s pitch presentation. After seeing how much money the title had the potential to make, the community is left even more stumped as to why it was ever canceled.
Spider-Man: The Great Web Would’ve Raked in Millions
The game’s cancellation came as a shock to many, as the prospect of a co-op multiplayer set in the SM universe was nothing less than exciting. Now that the game’s projected earnings and pitch presentation have been leaked, fans demand answers for this bizarre decision.
According to the presentation, it was estimated that the total Playstation universe had around 100 million players. Out of which, the addressable market was said to be 52 million players. And, the immediate addressable market on launch day would be nine million.
PC market opportunities were also big. While the estimated addressable PC market was said to be 17 million players, the immediately addressable players on day one would have been three million. Add that together, and you have 12 million day-one players and 70 million players overall.
The company had conducted internal research and found out that 65% of Spider-Man fans were genuinely interested in a multiplayer game, regardless of having played the first game or Miles Morales.
Fans were left wondering why such a promising title would be abandoned, especially after these leaks revealed the immense financial potential it held. The community is now mourning the loss of what could have been—a groundbreaking addition to the franchise.
A Glimpse of What Could Have Been
The leaked trailer for The Great Web provided a glimpse into the game’s world. Narrated by Yuri Lowenthal, the voice of Insomniac’s Peter Parker, the trailer hinted at a five-player co-op experience set in an open-world Manhattan.
Players would have been able to take on the roles of various incarnations, including Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man 2099, Scarlet Spider, Peter Parker, and Miles Morales, as they battled the Sinister Six.
The pitch presentation also showcased some of the monetization goals the game would have, and these might just add salt to the wound.
The game would avoid a pay-to-win model and fragmenting players. Purchases would save time, and add challenges, or a side story. Additionally, there was clear value assigned to purchases—they would be clear, set purchases, and not gambling. They possibly would be in the form of itemized offers and subscriptions.
Despite the potential for success and the excitement generated by leaked trailers and information, Insomniac’s decision to scrap the game is still a mystery.
As fans continue to process the disappointment of The Great Web‘s cancellation, we’d like to ask you, why do you think the game was canceled? Tell us your guesses in the comments below!
