Insomniac Games recently fell victim to a malicious data breach that endangers sensitive data, including vital employee information. As the hackers threaten to leak more information online unless they’re paid a massive sum, the internet has found itself discussing a “positive” about this entire ordeal – an incoming Spider-Verse game by the first-party Sony studio.
Of course, it’s crucial to note that the leaked information, originating from a since-deleted Reddit post, is inconclusive.
The images shared hint at references to characters such as “Miles”, which obviously refers to the series’ co-protagonist, Miles Morales, and acronyms like “RCE” and “SM3,” which fans speculate are related to the next set of Spider-Man and Ratchet and Clank games. Another image mentions “additional support for Spider-Verse,” stirring theories of a Spider-Verse-inspired title. However, these leaks offer little evidence. As such, approach them with caution.
Nevertheless, the speculation is further fueled by Insomniac’s own track record and its endeavors. The powerhouse has had a meteoric rise over the past five years, delivering best-selling hits like Marvel’s Spider-Man, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. The integration of Insomniac’s Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse in recent media and subtle hints in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, such as the appearance of a Spider-Verse portal and references to Spider-Man 2099, suggests that Insomniac may be laying the groundwork for a larger Spider-Verse narrative, but with its own flair.
The potential of a Spider-Verse game is enormous, particularly with the current and ongoing advances in video game technology and the potential capabilities of future consoles such as the PlayStation 6. Such a game could leverage the expanded processing power and advanced graphics of PS6 to deliver an unprecedented immersive experience. Perhaps, more importantly, the concept of a Spider-Verse game aligns seamlessly with the direction of modern gaming, where players crave expansive, dynamic worlds and rich, interactive narratives.
A Spider-Verse game could also explore new gameplay mechanics, such as portal-hopping technology, showcased in the Black Cat chase in Marvel Spider-Man 2. This could allow players to traverse multiple and parallel universes, each with its unique aesthetic and challenges, pushing the boundaries of open-world design. Additionally, the inclusion of different Spider-People, each with distinct abilities and storylines, could offer diverse gameplay experiences, appealing to a broad spectrum of players.
Ultimately, Insomniac isn’t about to run out of options to expand the story of its franchise. Keep in mind that Marvel’s Wolverine is set in the same universe as the Marvel’s Spider-Man games. With Daredevil, Carnage, Silk, and, a returning Venom, all being teased at some point in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which walked away from The Game Awards with zero awards despite multiple nominations, the Spider-Verse isn’t the only direction left for Insomniac to go. But, if the studio is building towards such a collaborative title, possibly bringing Knull into the mix, then who are we to complain?
Just try to keep your expectations tempered of this game releasing anytime soon. Insomniac has its hands full with its incumbent project at the moment. Even if it maintains its rate of releasing one new title every year, the unconfirmed Spider-Verse game is still likely on the back of the line.
What’s clear here is that fans should let Insomniac cook, or at least that’s what the kids like Miles Morales say today.
Between Insomniac’s massive plans for its Spider-Man-focused franchise and Naughty Dog’s return to making single-player narrative-driven titles, PlayStation owners will be eating good for the foreseeable future.
