Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is many things: a GOTY contender, PlayStation’s fastest-selling game ever, and a prequel to what Insomniac Games is referring to as the Infinity War of video games. And, while fans are salivating about the possibility that Venom might star in his own spin-off or that Carnage might appear in a future entry, Insomniac just confirmed something that fans have long noticed about the game.
In the original game, players journeying to Hell’s Kitchen could stumble upon an understated reference to the Marvel world: Nelson and Murdock Attorneys at Law.
For the vigilant, this small plaque outside a building signaled the existence of Daredevil’s alter ego, Matt Murdock, and his partner Foggy Nelson. But in the sequel, this plaque has been mysteriously wiped clean of its text, leaving fans both puzzled and curious. Not just that, but a more overt indication arose when a pink eviction notice replaced the sign for the law office.
The financial struggles of Matt Murdock are no secret. Much like Peter Parker, Murdock refuses to use his abilities for personal gain, choosing instead to struggle like the common man when he could easily make a fortune from his talents.
With the pair’s law firm now evicted from their former address, fans are wondering where the duo are now.
Bryan Intihar, the creative director at Insomniac Games, was questioned about this conspicuously missing Easter egg by IGN. His response? “That’s a good question. Stay tuned. Good find though.” This cryptic comment has fueled fan theories and speculations that have since taken the internet by storm.
More than their shared penchant for being more like the common man than most heroes, Spider-Man and Daredevil have crossed paths on more than one occasion in the comic books, either as allies or as foes. Their history also includes mutual adversaries, with Wilson Fisk, known more infamously as the Kingpin. The first game in the series introduced the New York crime boss, who remains a looming presence in this universe. It would only be fitting for Daredevil to join the picture.
Marvel’s Spider-Man provides other nuances hints that are more difficult to ignore. In a specific sequence, Peter Parker is thinking of talking to his “lawyer friends” for legal advise. Given that the first game subtly hinted at Peter obtaining Matt Murdock’s contact information, it’s possible he could be referring to the public persona of Daredevil.
Furthermore, an interesting leak posted three years ago by the Youtube channel, Podcast Now, has resurfaced online. It claimed that a Wolverine and a Daredevil game were in development. Given that Insomniac Games is already working on Marvel’s Wolverine, which it’s pouring more resources into now that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is out, it’s possible Daredevil is next in line.
While Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 hints at the existence of several other superheroes, including references to Doctor Strange, Wong, The Fantastic Four, and the Avengers, Daredevil’s potential introduction holds unique significance. His friendship with Spider-Man would be both a nod to their iconic partnership in the comics and a fresh take for players in the game. It’s also worth noting that unlike powerhouses such as the Avengers, Daredevil’s more grounded abilities make him a fitting companion to Spider-Man without overshadowing him.
The broader strategy for Insomniac Games also seems to align with introducing other superheroes either in the form of DLCs or standalone games. The studio’s plans for a Wolverine game are well-known, and it has hinted at a Venom spin-off, as previously mentioned. The older leak might be true, to a certain extent, and Daredevil could be due for an introduction in a standalone spin-off first and not in his own game.
In the end, only time will reveal Insomniac Games’ true intentions.
