After two passable Iron Man games, which includes a VR outing, and a so-so Marvel’s Avengers – the game has closed down, by the way – that reduced the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist into a long-ranged fighter that shoots lasers in Marvel’s Avengers, Electronic Arts is finally giving audiences what they want. The best part? It’s using the best engine possible to make it happen.
Motive Studio, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Dead Space remake, has provided fresh insights into the production status of their new venture – an Iron Man game.
In a recent studio update, Motive general manager, Patrick Klaus, spoke about the company’s trajectory following the success of the Dead Space remake. Klaus mentioned that the release of Dead Space was a “big milestone” for the team, and after its triumphant launch, the studio’s energies have been channeled into their Iron Man project. This transition is seen as an opportunity for the developers to engage with yet another remarkable property. Given its importance, it’s notable that Klaus highlighted the game is still in the early pre-production phase, emphasizing the team’s commitment to “set the best possible foundation for development.”
While the revelation that the Iron Man game is still in its early stages might disappoint fans, there’s plenty of reasons to celebrate. For one, EA is literally tapping audiences and asking for help with the establishment of a Community Council, which comprises ardent Iron Man and Marvel aficionados. In a strategy mirroring the Dead Space remake, this council will have a pivotal role, offering feedback on nearly every facet of the game’s evolution. This move by Motive, involving fans in the creation process, underscores their belief in an inclusive approach to game development.
One of the most significant pieces of news from the studio update is the selection of Unreal Engine for the. EA Motive’s reasoning behind this decision to use this cutting-edge engine is to “empower the dev team to work their magic and create something really special.”
A couple of examples of recent titles developed using Unreal Engine 5 includes Lords of the Fallen, Immortals of Aveum, and Fortnite, among others.
Beyond the game mechanics, Klaus also touched upon the studio’s operational strategies. In a nod to the contemporary challenges and discussions prevalent in the gaming industry, he spoke about the hybrid work model Motive is adopting. The Montreal-based studio will see a blend of in-person and remote working environments, aiming to harness the best of both paradigms. Klaus believes that striking the right balance between these work models can potentially enhance the creative process, ultimately resulting in better game output.
Moreover, with Electronic Arts having previously confirmed that the Iron Man game will be a single-player, third-person action-adventure game, expectations are soaring. The genre seems to be an ideal fit for Motive Studio’s capabilities.
The Iron Man game, however, is just one piece of the larger puzzle that EA and Marvel are putting together. Notably, a Black Panther game is also in the pipeline, being developed by EA’s Cliffhanger Games. The studio, which is led by Kevin Stephens, the former chief of the Middle-earth: Shadow of War project, boasts a talented team with experience from major titles like Halo, God of War, and Call of Duty.
Motive’s emphasis on deep exploration in terms of story, design, and gameplay underscores their intention to deliver an unparallel experience in Iron Man’s for Iron Man’s next gen debut.
With the foundational work already revealing “so many opportunities to explore,” there’s plenty of reasons for fans to get excited about the game’s eventual shape and narrative.
As Motive Studio navigates what Klaus describes as a “period of evolution,” their approach is holistic. Beyond designing a game, they’re fostering a culture marked by shared values, learning, and unwavering team spirit. Klaus’s sentiments capture the studio’s essence: “We are ultra-focused and motivated.”
Unfortunately, Klaus didn’t speak much about what’s next for Dead Space, suggesting that this project takes precedence over a potential sequel. Either way, EA Motive has proven itself capable of creating worthwhile experiences. All we can do now is to wait for what they have in store for us.
