When Batman: Arkham Origins was announced yesterday, many fans were upset and worried that the game was being made by WB Games Montreal, and not Rocksteady, the developer of the first two games in the series. However, it appears as though WB Games Montreal has the support of Rocksteady in continuing the franchise for the time being.
Director of the first two games in the series Sefton Hill gives his approval of the switch, as said to CVG:
"Rocksteady is excited to see WB Games Montreal developing the prequel to the Batman Arkham franchise...We are confident this talented team will craft a fantastic experience, bringing the origins of the Arkhamverse to life," Hill said.
In addition, Arkham Origins director Eric Holmes is excited to work on the series, and relishes the chance the studio has been given to work on improving the already superb series.
Homes explained that, "It gives us the opportunity to refresh things a bit. Refresh characters, refresh ideas, refresh the dynamic between Batman and other characters, and refresh the world, too...Batman hasn't become the character that we know and are very familiar with."
Batman: Arkham Origins will serve as a prequel to the events of the first game in the series, Batman: Arkham Asylum. Players will be able to control Batman years before the events of the game, as eight assassins come together and try to kill Batman. Judging from the fact that Batman is alive and well in the first game, they will not succeed in this endeavor, however, gamers will be able to see Batman as he encounters several of his most infamous foes for the first time in the game.
This new game in the series is set to be released Oct. 25 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC. The handheld Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate will be released on the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita on the same day.