5 Ways the Marvel Games could Change the Movies

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As a lifelong comic book enthusiast and long-time gamer, I can wholeheartedly say that video game tie-ins for Marvel movies have immense potential to enhance the overall experience for audiences. Growing up, I remember eagerly awaiting the release of new action figures and toys based on my favorite superheroes, which only served to fuel my excitement for the upcoming films.

During the 2000s, video games connected to movies, particularly those based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), were quite common. However, this trend has largely faded away. Nevertheless, fans remain eagerly anticipating the release of a new game directly linked to these films.

It’s intriguing to note that there are whispers of upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) video games. Officially, there’s no confirmation from Marvel yet. However, enthusiasts are brainstorming ideas on how these games could expand and enrich the existing MCU movie experience.

Marvel Video Games Can Put the Spotlight on Obscure Characters

Despite the fact that the Avengers films are exceptional, movie creators are restricted by the two-hour running time, leading to less character development for certain figures. Consequently, these secondary characters often take a backseat to primary characters such as Captain America and Iron Man in the movies.

As a gamer, I’ve found that sometimes the most unexpected characters steal the show in video games. It’s not necessarily about the developers expanding their lore; it’s more about the experience of stepping into their shoes and playing as them. Over time, these characters can grow on us, becoming our favorites despite initially being obscure.

Consider Kamala Khan, better known as Ms. Marvel. Prior to her appearance, Ms. Marvel wasn’t well-known among most viewers. However, when Marvel Studios decided to create a TV series for her and include her in the Captain Marvel sequel, she was initially introduced as a playable character in Square Enix’s Avengers: A-Day video game. This game was released before both the series and the film.

Players were able to connect with Kamala as a character through the game, making her backstory engaging without requiring prior comic book knowledge. The game effectively conveyed Kamala’s passionate attachment to the Avengers and her unique, shape-shifting abilities.

Indeed, the game initially struggled upon its launch, yet as Ms. Marvel debuted on Disney+, many audience members were already familiar with her character and understood her distinctiveness compared to Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers).

Flesh Out Minor Characters from the Films

During the MCU’s decision to abandon tie-in games recently, Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America from the initial phase of heroes were fortunate enough to receive video game adaptations as their movies hit the screens.

In the films, the primary enemies were portrayed similarly in the tie-in games. However, secondary film characters saw their roles enlarged in the video games. A notable example is Arnim Zola from “Captain America: The First Avenger.” In the movie, Zola was merely a scientist under Red Skull’s control. But, in the game “Captain America: Super Soldier,” Zola’s character transformation mirrored his comic book persona, making him a formidable boss.

In an attempt to align visually with the film, the connections strive to create a harmonious look. Although moviegoers didn’t encounter a robotic Zola on screen, the robot Zola mech from the video game offers a fitting alternative.

Extend the Story of Some Movies

Movie durations typically top out around the two-hour mark, but video games are engineered to keep players immersed for extended periods. This design choice leads to various gameplay elements such as random missions and advancement systems that grant new abilities.

1. As players delve into these games, they embark on a heroic journey that expands upon the original storyline – bridging gaps left unanswered in the movies. For instance, the first Spider-Man 2 game featuring Tobey Maguire showcased not only the main battle with Doc Ock but also introduced additional villains for Spidey to confront such as Rhino, Shocker, and Mysterio.

1. In the movies directed by Sam Raimi, Mysterio didn’t make an appearance at all. However, in the game, he has a fully developed storyline where he causes real trouble for Spider-Man. Players can imagine that this was actually happening off-screen during the film production, thus adding depth to their gaming experience.

Prepare Audiences for Upcoming Movies

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Video game adaptations function similarly to marketing tools, generating excitement for the connected movies they represent. A prime example is how Lucasfilm effectively introduced Star Wars merchandise ahead of the film releases.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the Marvel universe through movies and comics, I firmly believe that Marvel could successfully apply a similar strategy to gaming. However, having witnessed the escalating costs of creating full-fledged games for current-gen platforms, I’ve noticed that Phase 2 tie-ins have primarily shifted towards mobile games. Yet, I’ve also observed a clever solution emerging among several IPs: they’re releasing downloadable content (DLC) as tie-ins.

Games such as Fortnite and Overwatch, among others, offer character downloadable content (DLC) to boost the publicity of movie or TV show premieres. Similarly, Call of Duty and some anime-themed games provide themed accessories as collaborative promotions.

Marvel’s introduction of “Marvel Rivals” signifies a lucrative market for exclusive character skins, particularly those that authentically represent a hero’s comic or film appearance. Considering the wealth of Iron Man variations from the MCU alone, it’s clear that significant revenue can be generated. Even heroes slated for upcoming movies can inspire new skins. For instance, before “No Way Home” premiered, Spider-Man gamers could obtain the Black and Gold suit and Integrated Spider-Man suit as options.

Marvel Video Games Can Help Expand the Multiverse

Marvel Studios is constructing what they call the ‘Multiverse Storyline,’ a concept that allows for multiple iterations of characters to coexist in different dimensions. This idea was brilliantly depicted in the film, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” and has also been delved into in movies like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” “Loki,” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

1. The video games can expand upon alternate storylines for established Marvel characters, creating additional versions of these heroes for fans to appreciate. For instance, Crystal Dynamics’ Guardians of the Galaxy presents a unique interpretation of Peter Quill and his team, although they retain their essential traits as portrayed in the MCU starting from 2014.

1. Using the Multiverse theory, storytellers have the liberty to explore their narratives beyond the traditional rules of a unified timeline. Instead, they can casually assert that these characters inhabit alternate realities or dimensions.

Up to now, there have been no significant collisions between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the games. However, Insomniac’s Spider-Man has made an appearance in the animated film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m super excited about the upcoming “Marvel Rivals”! This game takes the multiverse concept to a whole new level, assembling heroes from across the multiverse to face off against each other in teams. The action unfolds in diverse locations, making every battle feel fresh and unpredictable.

Consider the amount of money spent on acquiring all the X-Men ’97 costumes or each Iron Man suit from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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2024-07-30 14:28