Speculation Around Wonder Woman’s Game Development
Last week, a job listing for a lead software engineer on Monolith’s Wonder Woman game sparked speculation about the nature of the game’s development. The listing included specific requirements such as “Knowledge of 3D math commonly used in game development” and “Prior experience working in a 3D game engine (Unreal, Unity, etc.)“. However, it was the ‘Nice to Haves’ section, which mentioned “Experience helping maintain a live software product or game“, that led to the speculation that Wonder Woman could be a live-service game.
Warner Bros’ Response to Live-Service Speculation
In response to the growing speculation, Warner Bros issued a statement to IGN to clarify the direction of the Wonder Woman game. The publisher confirmed that the game is not being designed as a live-service game. Instead, it will be a “single-player action-adventure game set in a dynamic open-world.” The game will allow players to step into the role of Diana of Themyscira and will feature an original story set in the DC Universe. Additionally, the game will incorporate the acclaimed Nemesis System, which promises to enhance the player’s experience.
Industry Trend and Player Backlash
The trend of live-service games has not been well-received within the gaming community, with many players expressing their dislike for this model. Notable examples include Diablo 4, which faced a substantial backlash from players who were initially positive but became frustrated with its first season’s live-service elements. Similarly, early interest in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has been overshadowed by skepticism due to its live-service features. EA was one of the companies that initially committed to service games in 2019 but later changed course with games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, which were designed to focus on single-player experiences without live-service elements.
Monolith’s Nemesis System and Game Details
The Nemesis System is a significant feature that Monolith is bringing back for the Wonder Woman game. This innovative system, which was a standout aspect of the studio’s previous Middle-earth titles, Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, allows for unique interactions and a personalized experience with enemy characters. As for the Wonder Woman game itself, details are still sparse, but it has been confirmed to be a “single-player open-world action game,” which is a genre that promises an immersive and expansive experience for players.
In conclusion, the upcoming Wonder Woman game by Monolith has been confirmed not to follow the live-service model, despite initial speculation. This decision aligns with a broader industry trend where publishers are reconsidering the live-service approach due to player backlash. The game is anticipated to offer a single-player, open-world action-adventure experience, enriched by the acclaimed Nemesis System. This approach is indicative of a shift in the gaming industry, as companies begin to prioritize sustained storytelling and player experience over the continuous monetization models that have been prevalent in recent years.
