In an interview with Kinda Funny Games, Bryan Intihar, Senior Creative Director at Insomniac Games, confirmed that the highly-anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine and Spider-Man games are set in the same universe, Earth-1048. This revelation has sparked excitement among fans, with many speculating about the possibility of crossovers and the potential return of a beloved Marvel character to the world of gaming: Deadpool!
The news came on the heels of the massive success of Spider-Man 2, which has become the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios title in history, shipping over 2.5 million copies in the first 24 hours of its release.
With Insomniac Games now firmly established as a “Marvel gaming powerhouse,” the stage is set for an epic crossover event that could bring together some of the most iconic characters in the Marvel Universe.
The Merc with a Mouth’s Gaming Legacy
Deadpool, the wise-cracking, fourth-wall-breaking antihero, has a long history of successful video game adaptations. The 2013 Deadpool game, developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision, received high praise for its humor, action, and faithfulness to the character.
The game’s irreverent tone and over-the-top violence perfectly captured the essence of the Merc with a Mouth, and fans have been clamoring for a sequel ever since.
With the upcoming release of Deadpool & Wolverine barely a month away, it’s hard not to get excited about the possibilities for a gaming crossover. The film, which will see Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool team up with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the latter’s iconic yellow suit from the comics, has already generated a massive buzz among fans.
And now, Insomniac Games has the perfect opportunity to ride this wave of excitement and deliver a gaming experience that ties into the larger narrative of the Marvel Universe.
A Trio Made in Marvel Heaven
I mean… they are… it’s both… they’re all 1048. (pause) I THINK I got that right, but yeah!
—Bryan Intihar, Senior Creative Director at Insomniac Games, to Kinda Funny Games
The confirmation that Marvel’s Wolverine and Spider-Man exist in the same universe opens up a world of possibilities for Deadpool’s return. Imagine a game that allows players to switch between the three heroes, each with their own unique playstyles and quips.
Deadpool’s chaotic combat and fourth-wall-breaking antics, Wolverine’s brutal claws and regenerative abilities, and Spider-Man’s agility and web-slinging skills would make for an exceptional gaming experience.
The three characters already have a long history of interactions in the comics, with their contrasting personalities and abilities making for some truly memorable moments. And the developers at Insomniac have the chance to bring these iconic characters together in a way that has never been done before, delivering an experience that rivals even the most ambitious Marvel films!
Sweet Baby Inc.: A Potential Roadblock for Marvel’s Wolverine?
While the prospect of a shared Insomniac universe is undeniably thrilling, a recent development has raised some concerns among fans. It has come to light that Sweet Baby Inc., a narrative consultancy firm, is involved with the development of Marvel’s Wolverine.
This news is particularly worrisome given Sweet Baby Inc.’s recent involvement with the poorly received Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game. The title’s failure led to a staggering $200 million loss for Warner Bros., and many have pointed to Sweet Baby Inc.’s influence as a contributing factor.
According to Mark Kern, aka Grummz on X, a former lead for World of Warcraft and the producer of Diablo 2 and Starcraft, Sweet Baby Inc. is known for its mission to insert diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) sensitivity into all games. While representation is undoubtedly important, there are concerns that an overly heavy-handed approach could detract from the core gaming experience.
The concerns surrounding Sweet Baby Inc.’s involvement have been further compounded by recent comments made by Mary Kenney, Associate Narrative Director of Marvel’s Wolverine. In a series of tweets, Kenny defended the consultancy firm, leading to a heated debate within the gaming community.
While it remains to be seen how Sweet Baby Inc.’s involvement will impact the final product, it is clear that fans are watching the development of Marvel’s Wolverine with a critical eye. Insomniac Games must tread carefully to ensure that the game lives up to the high expectations set by their previous Marvel titles.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is available now exclusively on the PlayStation 5.
Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters on July 14, 2024.
Marvel’s Wolverine is currently in development exclusively for PlayStation 5. It does not have an official release date yet.
