Kill the Justice League is the unfair villain of Warner Bros.’ failings

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Kill the Justice League is the unfair villain of Warner Bros.' failings

As someone who has been a devoted follower of Rocksteady Studios since the Arkham trilogy days, it’s disheartening to witness the downfall of a studio that once held such a prestigious position in the gaming world. I remember staying up all night to complete each game in the Arkham series, immersed in the dark yet captivating universe of Gotham City.

Looking ahead, it’s intriguing to explore the decline of Rocksteady Studios and the impact that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League may have had on their previously esteemed standing as creators of the Arkham trilogy. Regrettably, it appears that Rocksteady’s situation is worsening.

Despite some criticisms labeling 2015’s Arkham Knight as the least impressive in the trilogy, there was great anticipation that whatever followed would be another outstanding game. After a nine-year wait, it appears departing from Gotham City might have been a costly decision, as Kill the Justice League didn’t deliver the anticipated Arkhamverse comeback we were expecting.

Kill the Justice League is taking the blame for Warner Bros.’ financials

Kill the Justice League is the unfair villain of Warner Bros.' failings

As a gamer myself, I can honestly say that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League had some challenges. Critics pointed out that it seemed to draw heavily from Destiny in terms of being a looter shooter, and it seemed like they prioritized its live-service aspects and profit over the gaming experience. Unfortunately for Warner Bros. Games, those profits didn’t quite materialize as expected.

Previously, it was discussed how KTJL allegedly caused WB to suffer a significant loss estimated at $200 million. Now, with the release of Warner Bros. Discovery’s latest financial reports, we can gain a better understanding of the situation at this media conglomerate. Not long ago, there were concerns that Warner Bros. Discovery might be compelled to sell off portions of its gaming division.

According to IGN’s report, WB Games experienced a decrease of 41% in yearly revenue compared to the previous year. In total, Warner Bros. Discovery reported revenues of $9.7 billion but posted a net loss of $10 billion. A staggering $9.1 billion of this loss is attributed to costs resulting from assets that are underperforming, as indicated by impairment charges.

2023 had an impressive financial performance due to Hogwarts Legacy selling more than 24 million copies and being named the best-selling game of that year. However, given those extraordinary sales figures, it’s challenging for the following year (2024) to match such lofty successes.

The report directly names Kill the Justice League as a contributing factor to WB. Games’ current troubles, which might seem somewhat unfair. On the game’s official Reddit, it’s DEFCON 1, with players claiming the end is night and not sure what the game’s future hold…if there is one anymore.

As a gamer, I must admit, one critic expressed skepticism about the potential of this game, calling it a “bug-ridden mess” that left him wishing he had listened to the naysayers and steered clear of it. Another player, who received the game for free and refuses to pay for any microtransactions, seemed unimpressed and suggested the developers are in trouble.

As a longtime fan of the Batman: Arkham series, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Season 2. However, my excitement quickly turned to concern when I learned that Season 2 introduced a gender-flipped Mr. Freeze and, more importantly, there is no offline mode available. Given my limited internet connection at home and my experience with game developers pulling the plug on titles without warning, I can’t help but worry that Rocksteady could decide to end the series at any moment. Despite the promising plotlines for future seasons, such as a return to Gotham and a Deathstroke-centric Season 4, it looks like the title may be quietly cancelled and sent out back to be put out of its misery. It’s disheartening to think that I might have to say goodbye to this beloved series prematurely.

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2024-08-08 14:12