Though some gamers are hesitant to jump on the trend of live-service games, there are quite a few fans of this relatively new model. While some see a live-service game as an unfinished product not worth full retail price, others view it as a game that holds more value than a standardAAA first-party release, with the promise of years' worth of additional content. Regardless of how players view it, live-service games make a lot of money and are probably here to stay.
According to a recent earnings report,Sony has 10 live-service gamesin the works that will release by 2026, and it is looking to shift away from first-party single-player titles. While some remain skeptical, this model could be used to great effect, with Sony’s line-up benefiting from additional content long after an individual game’s launch. One property in particular that could benefit from this isMarvel’sSpider-Man, using the backdrop of theSpider-Verseto best utilize a live-service model.
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Using Insomniac’s Spider-Man as a Basis
Insomniac Games has proven to be more than worthy of theSpider-Manproperty, delivering two exceptional titles that bring the charm, heart, and vibrancy of the character to a video game medium. Though some had issue withthe firstSpider-Mangame’s side contentand second game’s length, the general combat and swinging mechanics are widely considered to be perfect, capturing the essence of Spider-Man’s comic appearance while giving players a satisfying, intuitive experience.
A theoretical live-serviceSpider-Versegame would have an immediate leg-up over other live-service titles, featuring mechanics that have already been tried and tested. Simply taking Insomniac’sSpider-Man’s web-swingingand combat mechanics for aSpider-Versegame would already be enough to get most fans in the door. In a similar vein, aSpider-Versegame should use a similar approach to Insomniac when it comes to characterization. One of the best aspects ofMarvel’s Spider-ManandMiles Moralesis the core relationships in each game.
Spider-Man’s most emotive moments hit hard because Insomniac takes the time to flesh out who these characters are inthe particularMarvel’s Spider-Manuniverse, and makes it seem like their relationships are realistic with long and complex histories. ASpider-Versegame needs to take a similar approach, putting the game’s characters at the forefront, and weaving a narrative that relates closely to their personal motivations and stakes.
How Live-Service Elements Could Work in a Spider-Verse Game
ASpider-Versegame is the perfect place for live-service elements. Much likeMarvel’s Avengers, aSpider-Versetitle could be constantly updated with new costumes based on the latest MCU andSpider-Versemovies, as well as a range of costumes based on the vast catalog of Spider-Man comics.
As the game would be set across multiple universes, the possibilities are endless. Missions could be added that have the player face off againstJake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio, or have the player battle the Ultimate version of the Green Goblin from the comics. The live-service model would be a perfect fit for this setting, giving players a plethora of varied content that already has decades of material to draw from.
New playable characters could also be added to the game over time, each with their own unique set of skills and abilities based on their comic/movie counterparts. Spider-Man Noir, for instance, could rely on stealth, whereasSpider-Man 2099could make use of a unique gliding ability. ASpider-Versegame has an incredible amount of potential, and with a live-service model that constantly adds new and varied content to the game, it could easily be a Marvel fan’s dream.
