10 DC Comics Titles That Could Come From the New DCU Gaming Slate
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The DCU has entered a new era, with James Gunn leading the charge. So far, both Creature Commandos and Superman have set the tone for what audiences should come to expect, but Peacemaker is soon to redefine the rules all over again. There’s a long-term game plan for the DCU, with Gunn hoping for this universe to surpass what the DCEU achieved. With Lanterns, Supergirl, Batman: The Brave & The Bold, and Clayface all on the way, it’s clear that DC Studios has a detailed idea of where they want to take this comic book universe next. As part of that strategy, James Gunn has revealed that he would like to invest further in video games, with the DCU set to move between media and be supported by some of Warner Bros.’ future gaming concepts.
This announcement comes at an interesting time, though, because Warner Bros. is also readjusting its gaming slate so that it can make a more impactful debut on future consoles. Many of the games that were in development were canceled, with Warner Bros. redistributing their resources to a couple of key franchises, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and, of course, DC Comics. That means that the DCU will be at the front of that campaign to get superheroes back into video games, and so James Gunn will be looking at ways to create cohesion between these different storytelling platforms. With that in mind, there are a few games that the company could begin working on that would make sense within Gunn’s wider plan, while also respecting the video game franchises that have been successful thus far.
10 A John Constantine Game May Tap Into the Multiverse
A Sequel Film Is On the Way
Keanu Reeves starred in a Constantine film, inspired by the comic book sorcerer, back in 2005. Since then, there have been rumors about a return to the screen for Reeves in the iconic role. In recent years, a sequel was seemingly commissioned by Warner Bros., and while it will not be set within Gunn’s DCU, it will fall under the DC Studios banner at the time of writing, and thus will be a part of that wider Multiverse. It wouldn’t be too shocking for Gunn to want to create a connection between the universes down the line, as the Multiverse is further explored.
As John Constantine, as a character, is brought back into the mainstream again, it would seem appropriate to explore that world within a video game. Not only is Keanu Reeves a fan of the medium and a star of titles like Cyberpunk 2077, but the mechanics associated with the magic-wielder would also provide players with a very different type of experience. Phase 1 of the DCU is all about Gods & Monsters, and Constatine’s realm very much falls underneath that banner. A Constantine title would be brilliant for further establishing the anti-hero, perhaps ahead of a future DCU crossover.
9 Wonder Woman’s Game Was Canceled
This May Make Room For a DCU Iteration
Wonder Woman was set to receive a game over at Warner Bros., but then everything fell apart. It was even said to be using the Nemesis System, originally introduced in Monolith’s Middle-earth series, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. This happened around the same time that James Gunn announced he would be revitalizing Wonder Woman, with a new performer in the lead. Clearly, there are big plans for the character in the DCU, but Diana Prince’s solo debut is yet to happen in the interactive medium. However, what if the character was still being prepared for the video game world?
The DCU is still very much finding its feet, and a Wonder Woman script is currently being worked on. But if Warner Bros. managed to create a new Wonder Woman game, to coincide with the launch of the cinematic character, that could be a great example of the cohesion that DC Studios is looking for. Simply put, not only would this be a great bit of joint marketing, but it would also be a way for fans to quickly understand this interpretation of the Wonder Woman character. And with a Themyscira TV show also said to be in the works, there are so many ways in which a game like this could tie in to the wider universe.
8 The Arkhamverse Is Still Thriving
James Gunn Has No Problem With Multiple Batmen
The Arkhamverse is in a really complicated state. Warner Bros. is aware that it’s a massive asset in its gaming library, but in recent years, it hasn’t quite found a way to capitalize on it. The original Arkham trilogy was a huge success, and Batman: Arkham Origins really lived up to the title. But fewer people have played the Arkham VR experience and the subsequent Batman: Arkham Shadow despite the latter’s impressive quality. And the less said about how fans reacted to Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, the better.
DC is obviously moving away from individual properties, with only a couple of non-DCU entities existing in the wider Elseworlds line. The Arkamverse could very much fall under that Multiverse banner, though, as Warner Bros. will not want to ditch what’s been produced here quite yet. With another Arkhamverse game already in the works, answers will soon emerge as to what the studio wants to do with the property. It’s plausible that it will lead the way and act as an example for proper DCU games, but there’s also a chance that the Multiverse will be used here again after its appearance in Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League. So ultimately, a new Arkamverse game could still connect to the DCU very soon.
7 The Batman’s Sequel Isn’t Enough
The Penguin Proves This World Can Expand
The Batman is another one of those DC Studios projects that sits in a difficult position. James Gunn has never ruled out rolling the universe into the DCU in the future, but the Batman seen in that world is very much not the iteration that will be starring alongside Superman in the near future. Again, it would be a Multiverse project if they were to cross over, but the conversations have been had about that point of connection someday in the future. What’s also clear is that there is interest in that part of the DC Universe expanding further.
The success of The Penguin, alongside a potential Gotham P.D. show in the works, highlights the potential for this darker, grittier style of Gotham City. Batman is a massive asset for Warner Bros., and so a video game might be an elegant way to keep telling stories in that world, without stepping on the toes of the shows and films. Matt Reeves is very hands-on as a director, so it’s possible he’d want to take part in forging that story. If the DCU is tied in in some capacity, fans would welcome it, but a game based on The Batman would also work as an Elseworlds piece.
6 Superman Is Thriving at the Box Office
He’s a Notoriously Difficult Character To Adapt
Superman has had a big box office moment, performing incredibly well and prompting Warner Bros. to commission plenty more in the DCU. It’s obvious that the plan is working and that James Gunn’s commitment to this project is ensuring that it is catching on with audiences. With Superman in the bag and Supergirl still to come, things are looking… well, super for the Kryptonian family. A sequel has received the green light and is actively in the early stages of development, according to Gunn, but more could be done in the meantime.
Why not finally give a proper Superman game a go, after years of attempting to develop one? Indeed, it seemed as if Rocksteady would finally create a Superman title, but it’s apparent that this is a difficult job to complete, considering the character is so overpowered. There must be a solution to these mechanical issues, though, and if Warner Bros. were able to get a Superman game off the ground that was tied into the DCU, it would only help to further build out this universe. It seems actors have contracts that include animated and video game appearances, so the original cast could be brought on board for a fun spinoff adventure.
5 Injustice 3 Is On the Card For Warner Bros.
Prior Titles Included the Arrowverse, So The DCU Isn’t Out of the Question
As part of Warner Bros.’ continued gaming plans, they announced that they would refocus on Mortal Kombat, a property that is heading to the big screen once more and has had massive success on consoles. However, NetherRealm Studios has also produced the mightily popular Injustice series, which in turn has spawned comics, animated features, and other tie-in material, all building out that grim world. In the past, the Arrowverse has been featured in the Injustice series, with a version of Oliver Queen built into the game, so connections between the universes aren’t out of the question.
It seems almost inevitable that an Injustice 3 is on the way, and with it comes further questions about its place in the DCU plan. But there’s an easy solution to all of that, considering the Arrowverse has already been involved. All that needs to happen is that the third title can include a playable character from the DCU, who is intertwined in the story in some capacity. It could be someone like Mister Terrific, who has already been established, or a figure who will soon be introduced that will ultimately be able to make mention of the crossover on screen, at a later stage. Peacemaker is in Mortal Kombat 1, so why can’t it happen again?
4 Lanterns Is On Its Way
The Wider Lantern Corps Would Make a Great Game
Lanterns is another show in the works in the DCU, and Superman has already set the scene by introducing audiences to this iteration of Green Lantern, or rather, Guy Gardner. He has a lot of potential and will be starring in Lanterns alongside John Stewart and Hal Jordan. This is going to expand the DCU into the cosmic realms and, while details are thin on the ground, it sounds as if this is going to be much more about John than any other member of the Lantern Corps. But that doesn’t mean the likes of Hal can’t get the spotlight elsewhere.
Just like Superman and The Flash, Green Lantern is another one of those key DC Comics characters that developers have tried to build a game around to very little success. The fact is, the mechanics are again complex to realize, but Lanterns is the perfect jumping-off point to immerse players in a new area of the DCU. The Green Lanterns and their many enemies have the potential to fill years of TV, so some of those narratives could be taken to the video games, perhaps with other Corps featured. This would be a fun way of making sure all the Lanterns get time to be showcased.
3 Zatanna Is a Fan-Favorite
The Character Could Corner the Supernatural Market
Zatanna is one of those characters who has never been given a chance at the big time, which is criminal considering her potential. Not only is she wildly popular on the page, but numerous times Warner Bros. has attempted to adapt her to live-action in some capacity on the big screen, only for it all to fall apart. Even in smaller projects, like the Arrowverse, it seemed as if there wasn’t a proper space for this super sorcerer. And so, Zatanna has been waiting her turn, perhaps hoping that James Gunn’s DCU will provide a new opportunity.
In this age of Gods & Monsters, there must be a supernatural entity prepared to fight off those darker beasts. Zatanna may be a more perfect fit for what James Gunn is building than Constantine. Perhaps debuting her in a video game series, building her popularity and setting the stage for what’s to come, before introducing her to the wider DCU, would be a novel way of adding that character to the universe. After all, everyone has failed to adapt her thus far, so why not try this tactic in a different medium? There’s so much still for DC Studios to produce, so giving a massive character like this a unique platform to build on might be best.
2 Henchmen Are In the Spotlight
The Movie Idea Could End Up As a Game
Comedian, actor, and creative storyteller Zach Cregger recently revealed that he had a pitch for DC Studios that he would soon be putting forward. The idea was called Henchmen, and would be focused on a much smaller villainous character who picked up the chance of a lifetime, defeating Batman by accident and claiming the glory for his deeds. It was said that Joker and Harley Quinn would be featured in the script, and while there’s no announcement on whether this idea will even be picked up, it’s a creative narrative for a video game to take inspiration from.
That’s right, not every DCU pitch has to be a movie or TV show. Some of them could be taken and turned into a video game. Sure, Clayface was an unexpected pitch that found its footing on the screen, but James Gunn could easily maneuver it to the video game world as a new concept to explore further. Something like Henchman might be perfect for players who want to create their own character and explore what it means to be under the tutelage of Gotham City’s finest crooks. This is exactly the point-of-view entry into the landscape that fans can really enjoy.
1 Creature Commandos Are a Brilliant, Lesser-Known Team
There Would Be More Freedom To Utilize These Characters
Creature Commandos was the first entry into the DCU, and fans were convinced that James Gunn’s direction was the right one. Acting as a spinoff from The Suicide Squad, the show featured compelling characters, shocking twists, and a few heartbreaking losses. It set the standard, and characters like Rick Flag Sr. have already reappeared in the universe. What’s next for Creature Commandos? Well, a sequel series is on its way, but the team could provide the basis of a great group title.
Not only would it provide a variety of play styles, but it’s a fun way to keep the team relevant while awaiting their next screen appearance. Some of these characters might not have a place in the DCU in the foreseeable future, once their show comes to an end, but a video game would keep their stories going. Plus, this is a good way to test out other background characters to see which of them connects with audiences. For instance, why not try a Swamp-Thing appearance here?
